**Comirnaty: The Design of the mRNA Vaccine and Its Elements**
Comirnaty, created by Pfizer and BioNTech, represents a significant advancement in the immunization fight against SARS-CoV-2. At its core is the single-stranded, 5′ end-capped mRNA, produced via cell-free in vitro transcription. This mRNA encodes the viral spike (S) protein, which is essential for triggering an immune response.
When diluted, Comirnaty vials provide five doses of 0.3 ml each, containing 30 micrograms of mRNA. This article details the essential ingredients used in the composition of Comirnaty, emphasizing the lipids, salts, and sugars that contribute to the vaccine’s stability and effectiveness.
**Lipids**
Functioning as carriers, lipids encapsulate the mRNA within nanoparticles, aiding in cellular uptake. The following are principal lipids included:
– **((4-hidroxibutil)azanediil)bis(hexan-6,1-diil)bis(2-hexildecanoat) (ALC-0315):** The main ionizable lipid, which creates a positive charge to engage with the mRNA’s negative charge.
– **2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecilacetamidă (ALC-0159):** This enhances the stability of the nanoparticle and can affect user responses.
– **1,2-Distearoil-sn-glicero-3-fosfocolină (DSPC):** Offers structural stability.
– **Cholesterol:** Vital for preserving the structural integrity and preventing the aggregation of nanoparticles.
**Salts**
Consisting of four varieties, salts in Comirnaty help maintain a physiological pH comparable to conditions in the human body.
– **Clorură de potasiu, dihidrogenofosfat de potasiu, clorură de sodiu,** and **fosfat disodic dihidrat:** Together, these contribute to forming a phosphate-buffered saline solution, essential for pH regulation and the vaccine’s stability.
**Sucrose**
Known simply as sugar, sucrose acts as a cryoprotectant. It ensures the nanoparticles remain stable during freezing, crucial for the vaccine’s cold storage needs.
These components synergistically function to protect and deliver the mRNA efficiently, offering strong defense against COVID-19. The Comirnaty vaccine is meticulously designed to achieve a balance between efficacy, stability, and safety, as illustrated by its thorough construction.
For more comprehensive details, Comirnaty’s complete prospectus is available [here](https://www.descopera.org/upload/prospect-vaccin.pdf).
