COVID-19: Vaccine?

COVID-19 Vaccine?

As several drug manufacturers join the global effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine. Although, scientific experts remain unconvinced that the outcome of this research may take over the turn of a fresh year. 

Announcements from drug manufacturers like MERCK and NOVARTIS, followed earlier initiatives by UK's Oxford University, and pharmaceutical company INOVIO and NOVAVAX who could release it's vaccine as soon as August.

MERCK Vaccine Study

Pharmaceutical giant Merck made it public this week that it's investigating two potential COVID-19 vaccines.

The first is from their acquired Vienna-based company, Thermis. The vaccine candidate is said to be based on a previously developed vaccine that contains a weakened version of the "measles virus". The scientists are adding bits of the coronavirus to the vaccine in an effort for the body immune system to learn to recognize the virus.

President of MERCK Research Lab, Dr. Roger Perlmutter, said in a statement;

We are eager to combine our strengths both to develop an effective coronavirus vaccine in the near future and to build a pandemic preparedness capability directed toward emerging agents that pose a future epidemic threat"

MERCK is also partnering with IAVI to re-enact an existing vaccine for the ebola virus. Clinical trials this year are optimistic.

NOVARTIS Vaccine study

NOVARTIS over a week ago stated it's plans to make a gene-based coronavirus vaccine, which is in under development at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania. AveXis, a subsidiary of NOVARTIS would manufacture the vaccine.

In a statement;

"following the resultant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic we recognize the significance of evaluating the potential role of a gene-based vaccine," 

AveXis President Dave Lennon said.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19

The approach AveXis are trying to come up with makes use an inactive form of the coronavirus to deliver the virus's DNA into the body, thus making it learn to produce proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. These proteins are those spikes seen on microscopic images of the virus potrayed ob the internet and TV.

Manufacturing is definitely set to begin this month. Clinical trials would come in place afterwards.

NOVAVAX vaccine study

Biotechnology company NOVAVAX said it's begun preliminary clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine already. If confirmed and safe, could be released as soon as August. With their sole aim to provide vaccine for the frontline health workers.