Context: A team of scientists from IISc has completed pre-clinical trials and is now gearing up for human testing of the heat-tolerant Covid-19 vaccine

About:

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a heat-tolerant vaccine called RS2 against COVID-19, which can be stored at high temperatures for extended periods of time, making it easier to transport and distribute to remote areas
• The vaccine has been tested on animals and has shown promising results, triggering a potent immune response and providing superior protection compared to other vaccines

Significance:

• The significance of this vaccine lies in its potential to address the issue of cold storage, which is a major challenge in India, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures can reach up to 50°C
• The warm vaccine could also be a game-changer for other countries facing similar challenges in vaccine distribution
• The way forward involves further testing and approval of the vaccine, as well as scaling up production and distribution to ensure equitable and accessible vaccination
• Overall, the development of a heat-tolerant vaccine is a significant step towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and potentially future viral threats, making vaccination more accessible and affordable for all.