Vaccine for Coronavirus :USA, Italy, Israel and India
Coronavirus Pandemic has created havoc around the world. Currently, there are more than 3,852,668 positive cases across the globe resulting in 266,077 deaths.There are still no drugs that can kill the virus or vaccines that can protect against it. A vaccine would provide some protection by training people’s immune systems to fight the virus so they should not become sick.
Since the last three months, Europe, United States, India and Israel have all started work to produce a vaccine. Coming up with a vaccine is not just a matter of pride for a country, but it’s all also about patents, distribution of the vaccine and big money. For this, there’s fierce competition but also cooperation between scientists at many levels.
As per reports by The World Health Organization, it is working with scientists across the globe on at least 20 different coronavirus vaccines. There have been some clinical trials in record time — just 60 days after sequencing the gene. “The acceleration of this process is really truly dramatic in terms of what we’re able to do, building on work that started with SARS, that started with MERS and now is being used for COVID-19 ,” says Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for WHO.
As per reports, leading pharmaceutical companies are also working together and with governments to assure that a vaccine is developed as quickly as possible.
Research and Vaccine on COVID -19 in India
In India, trails have begun at the Serum Institute of India (SII). Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive officer has gone on record saying that ` the vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic is expected within one year.’
SII is at the forefront of developing the vaccine where the animal trials are already underway. The SII, situated in Pune, Maharashtra is one of the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world by sheer volume. It is collaborating with many international biotechnology firms to work on the vaccine.
As reported by the Economic times,” Highlighting the importance of large-scale manufacturing of the vaccine, Poonawalla said, “No matter who makes the vaccine, we will need a lot of companies’ help in order to manufacture the vaccine.
Serum Institute India was founded by Cyrus Poonawalla in the year 1966 with the aim of making vaccines, which at the time were not easily available in the country. These vaccines were imported at high prices, getting them out of reach for the underprivileged.
One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in India, SII has also achieved the name for the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally-Polio vaccine as well as Diphtheria, Tetanus, BCG,Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines.
Italy claims to have developed a Vaccine
Italian scientists have claimed to develop a vaccine that has successfully generated antibodies in mice that work on human cells. The vaccine has been tested in the Spallanzani Hospital hospital in Rome. It is said to be one of the most advanced stages of testing of a potential vaccine in the country as the vaccine neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 in the human cells.
After a single vaccination, the mice developed antibodies that can block the virus from infecting human cells. The researchers selected the two best candidates. This was done after observing that the five vaccine candidates generated a large number of antibodies.
Israel develops a passive vaccine
As reported by The Wion, Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has confirmed that the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) has developed an antibody or passive vaccine. It can attack and neutralise the virus responsible for COVID-19 within the bodies of those infected. Last month, IIBR started testing its antibody-based vaccine prototype on rodents.
Israel has isolated a key coronavirus antibody at its primary biological research center, which many have called a “significant breakthrough” towards a possible treatment for Covid-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine in USA
Testing on an experimental vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 has begun in the United States. BNT162, as the vaccine is called by its maker and one of the biggest pharmaceutical biotech companies ‘Pfizer’, was administered to the first US citizen.
Having advanced from pre-clinical studies for the vaccine to its human testing within a span of four months, Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla calls the achievement “extraordinary.”
As reported by CNBC, Pfizer aims to produce “millions” of vaccines within this year. By next year, this would be increased to “hundreds of millions,” as Pfizer’s chief scientific officer, Dr. Mikael Dolsten.
As per WHO, at least eight vaccines are already in human trials. Whether true or not, all the signs indicate that the world might be very soon to getting the first vaccine against the dread.
Research takes time
Things are being done at a rapid speed, but research takes time. Realistically, a vaccine would take at least a year. New approaches to develop the vaccine are being used across countries. Medical experts point out, post developing a vaccine too; there are issues of mass production and distribution
Healthcare workers who come into contact with Covid-19 patients would be at the top of the list. The disease is most deadly in older people so they would be a priority if the vaccine was effective in this age group. However, it might be better to vaccinate those who live with or care for the elderly instead.
Until a vaccine or treatment is ready what should you do?
Various drugs are being used for patients with Corona virus currently by doctors. Vaccines prevent infections and the best way of doing that at the moment is good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap or sanitizer as often as possible. Practice Self isolation and if you venture out, wear a mask. Do not touch your eyes, nose or face too often.
Most people infected will have mild symptoms and can be treated at home with bed-rest, paracetamol and plenty of fluids. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before you consume any medicine. Some patients may develop more severe disease and need hospital treatment.