• Published on: Jan 20, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MRNA Vaccines – Uses Beyond COVID

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mRNA vaccines – uses beyond COVID

Last year we estimated it would take over a year for a vaccine against COVID to be approved, with vaccinations expected by spring 2021. Incredibly we have managed to meet this prediction, and by the start of January over 42 million doses have been administered in 51 countries. What is even more astounding is that two of the approved vaccines use a completely new vaccination method never used before. mRNA vaccines can be used to easily deliver a variety of different vaccines by changing the mRNA inside the vaccine capsule, and its benefits may not be limited to just infections.

A recent publication in NATURE has demonstrated the use of mRNA vaccines against auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. MS is an autoimmune condition in which the protective lining of nerves is destroyed by the body’s immune system, significantly slowing down or altering nerve impulse propagation. This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, vision problems, numbness, tingling, aberrant pain, muscle spasms and weakness.

The study looked at introducing antigen-specific tolerance in mice models of MS. This was achieved by activating anti-inflammatory white blood cells. Normally vaccines activate inflammatory white cells to produce a response but altered mRNA with one specific change to its base structure induces and activates anti-inflammatory cells instead.

Furthermore, this anti-inflammatory response is specific to cells that are activated by and attack the body’s nerve cells, thereby delivering a targeted response and not affecting the immune response against infections or cancer. Global immunosuppression is a common side effect of steroids and chemotherapy agents that are normally used to treat auto-immune conditions, and mRNA vaccines may avoid this side effect altogether.

A further advantage is its versatility. This has been demonstrated against multiple sclerosis, but changing the mRNA delivered by the vaccine, it may prove beneficial in far more auto-immune conditions. Of course, we have to emphasize this was an animal study and human trials are unlikely to happen in the next few years, but this study nicely demonstrates how the impact of the COVID pandemic may already be providing beneficial gains for the future.

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Chronic Disease Management in Digital India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Long-Term Care

Chronic Disease Management in Digital India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Long-Term Care

In India, chronic diseases are the silent epidemic. From diabetes and hypertension to COPD and heart disorders, these conditions affect millions - and demand long-term, consistent care.

Traditionally, managing these illnesses meant frequent hospital visits and reactive treatment. But in Digital India, technology has changed the game. Platforms like SecondMedic are making chronic care predictive, preventive, and personalized.

 

The Chronic Disease Burden in India

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases account for over 60% of deaths in India.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports that:

  • 1 in 4 Indians suffer from a chronic condition.

  • 77 million people are diabetic.

  • 220 million live with hypertension or cardiovascular risk.
     

The challenge? Managing these conditions continuously - not just during hospital visits.

 

How Digital Transformation Is Changing the Game

The rise of digital healthcare - teleconsultations, remote monitoring, and AI analytics - has turned chronic care into an ongoing, data-driven process.

Predictive analytics, powered by AI, identifies early warning signs and suggests interventions before crises occur.
Wearable devices track vital parameters like heart rate, oxygen, glucose, and BP 24×7.
Cloud-based health records allow doctors to review trends remotely and adjust treatment instantly.

A NASSCOM Digital Health Report (2024) notes that remote monitoring adoption has increased by 68% since 2020, saving up to 25% in hospitalization costs.

 

How SecondMedic Makes Chronic Care Smarter

SecondMedic combines medical expertise with cutting-edge technology to empower patients:

  • Remote Doctor Consultations - Regular virtual follow-ups for chronic patients.

  • AI-Powered Health Dashboard - Smart algorithms detect risk trends and trigger alerts.

  • Lab & Diagnostic Integration - Automatic syncing of test results for doctor review.

  • Personalized Health Plans - Tailored diet, exercise, and medication guidance.

  • Continuous Monitoring - Devices and data integration for real-time oversight.
     

This holistic approach ensures proactive management - keeping patients healthier and reducing the chance of emergencies.

“Digital tools have allowed us to shift from managing illness to maintaining wellness.”
- Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, Medical Director, SecondMedic

 

Real-World Impact & Market Insights

  • Market Growth: India’s chronic care management market is projected to reach USD 11.2 billion by 2030, growing at CAGR 12.5% (IMARC Group 2025).

  • Digital Adoption: 74% of doctors use digital tools to monitor chronic patients remotely (FICCI HealthTech Survey 2025).

  • SecondMedic Data: Users enrolled in chronic care programs show 28?wer hospitalizations and 40?tter treatment adherence.
     

 

Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, India faces key hurdles:

  • Limited digital literacy among elderly patients.

  • Unequal internet access in rural regions.

  • Need for regulatory clarity on remote prescriptions.

  • Integration between hospital and home-based care systems.
     

But with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and telemedicine policy frameworks, these challenges are rapidly being addressed.

 

Conclusion

Chronic disease management in Digital India is not about occasional care - it’s about continuous connection.
With platforms like SecondMedic, chronic patients can now access doctors, diagnostics, and AI health tracking - all from the comfort of home.

Healthcare is no longer reactive - it’s proactive, predictive, and personal.

Take control of your health today at www.secondmedic.com

 

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