Is A Potential Coronavirus Vaccine Around The Corner? Pittsburgh Scientists Claim So

The wait for a vaccine for coronavirus may end soon as researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine announce successful testing of a vaccine on lab mice.

Image: AFP/ Representational

New Delhi: The wait for a vaccine for coronavirus may end soon as researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine announced successful testing of a vaccine on lab mice. According to the study published in a leading British medical journal, The Lancet, the researchers were able to neutralise the virus that causes COVID-19 in animal trials. During these tests mice injected with the vaccine were shown to produce antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 or the novel coronavirus which is responsible for the current pandemic. While the mice are yet to be observed for a longer period of time, researchers are optimistic because of the large amounts of antibodies produced within the body in only two weeks Unlike other vaccines that is being tested which uses RNA development, the researchers used laboratory-made viral protein. They also clarified that they were able to achieve this in a short period of time as they were already working on a similar virus namely the coronaviruses that caused  Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2014. For applying the vaccine, a fingertip size patch with microneedles will be utilised. This patch will be like using a Band-Aid and the microneedles made of sugar and protein will dissolve into the skin. The study involved several medical professionals and doctors and the diverse expertise helped in speeding up the development. The researchers are now awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after which they plan to begin human trials.