inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Omicron variant)

The inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Omicron variant) is a whole-virus vaccine platform developed to address the immune evasion associated with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. These vaccines are produced by growing the Omicron strain of the virus in Vero cell cultures, followed by chemical inactivation (typically with beta-propiolactone) and purification. By presenting the entire inactivated virion to the immune system, the vaccine induces a broad immune response against multiple viral proteins, including the spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. Several versions have been developed by Chinese manufacturers, including Sinovac Biotech and subsidiaries of China National Biotec Group (Sinopharm), specifically the Beijing and Wuhan Institutes of Biological Products. These vaccines are primarily evaluated as booster doses in individuals previously vaccinated with prototype inactivated vaccines to enhance neutralizing antibody titers against Omicron sublineages.

Other names

inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Omicron variant)Omicron COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), InactivatedBIBP-OmicronWIBP-OmicronSinovac Omicron vaccine