Fact check: Why have more mrna than dead vaccine been developed for covid 19

1. Summary of the results

The development of more mRNA vaccines than dead vaccines for COVID-19 can be attributed to several factors. Rapid development and adaptability are key advantages of mRNA technology, allowing for quick updates to vaccine composition to match emerging variants ^[1]. Additionally, mRNA vaccines have shown superior immunological responses, including higher IgG titers, stronger cellular immunity, and better neutralizing antibody responses compared to inactivated vaccines ^[2]. They also offer high efficacy and can be produced quickly, making them a favorable choice for new vaccine formulations ^[1]. The ability to design and manufacture mRNA vaccines at low cost and without handling live virus further contributed to their rapid development ^[3]. Existing mRNA platform technology and prior research enabled vaccine designers to move from sequence to clinical trial in weeks, and the urgency, massive funding, and regulatory fast-tracking favored platforms that could be scaled rapidly ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A crucial point to consider is the comparison of immune responses between mRNA and inactivated vaccines in specific populations, such as multiple-sclerosis patients, where mRNA vaccines have been shown to produce significantly higher antibody levels ^[5]. However, the original statement lacks context regarding the development challenges faced by inactivated vaccines, including the need for longer virus-culture and purification steps, which slowed their development ^[3]. Furthermore, the role of funding and regulatory fast-tracking in accelerating the development of mRNA vaccines should not be overlooked, as these factors significantly favored platforms that could be scaled rapidly ^[4]. It is also important to note that the superior humoral response of mRNA platforms may not be the only factor driving their development, as other considerations such as production capacity, distribution, and storage requirements also play a role ^[5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be oversimplifying the complexities of vaccine development by implying that the superiority of mRNA vaccines is the sole reason for their more rapid development ^{[2] [5] [1]}. In reality, a combination of factors, including existing technology, funding, regulatory fast-tracking, and production capabilities, contributed to the greater number of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines developed ^{[3] [4]}. Additionally, the statement may be biased towards mRNA vaccines, as it does not fully acknowledge the challenges and limitations faced by inactivated vaccine developers, such as the need for longer development times and more complex manufacturing processes ^[3]. This bias may benefit companies and researchers invested in mRNA technology, while potentially undermining the efforts and progress made in the development of inactivated vaccines ^[1].