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Bern’s immunologist Martin Bachmann said a week ago that he already had a working corona vaccine. His goal is to vaccinate the Swiss population in the fall. Other researchers are now known to be in the starting blocks as well.
Bacteria make the vaccine. Then it works, according to Bachmann, according to a proven principle that is also used for vaccines like HPV papillomavirus to protect against cervical cancer or hepatitis B. To do this, a small part of the coronavirus, a protein, and it sticks to an inactive virus particle. A mannequin is built, so to speak, on which the immune system can defend itself.
The vaccine has not yet been tested in humans, but Bern’s immunologist is convinced it is harmless: “It is not the case that you get infected with the virus or inject replicating molecules. In principle, this is just a protein. You can’t break much.
Coming soon to protect against COVID-19
According to the WHO, more than 40 candidate vaccines are currently being developed, which are based on different platforms, for example, DNA, RNA, protein subunits or vector vaccines. Most vaccine candidates are currently in the so-called preclinical development phase. Good news: Two candidates have undergone phase I clinical trials since mid-March. Other developers have announced the start of Phase 1 clinical studies in April / May.
And the big pharmaceutical companies also give reason for hope. Dr. Oliver Bleck is General Manager at Roche Pharma (Switzerland) AG. In an exclusive interview with TCS MyMed, he talks about early successes.
How close is Roche to possible progress?
TCS MyMed: The impatience of the world’s population grows with each passing day without the approval of a coronavirus vaccine or medication. How close is Roche to possible progress?
Dr. Oliver Bleck: Physicians in China have had initial experience treating patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia with one of our medications approved for another disease. However, these data have not yet been clinically confirmed, so a corresponding study with 300 patients is currently being conducted. We cannot speculate on the timing of a possible admission. We will certainly announce the results as soon as possible. In addition, we have initiated an internal research program to develop anti-coronavirus medications and are also working with external partners. Our studies currently also aim to identify approved medications that could be effective against this new disease.
