Measured Haste

As COVID-19 rages on, efforts to develop a vaccine or repurpose an existing one for the same are being carried out across the world but prudence is still key

- Vibha Varshney

Most of the world’s population is adversely affected by the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent public restrictions to contain it. But the pandemic has set the ball rolling for multiple companies to test and make drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as many as 42 vaccines for the virus SARS-CoV-2 were in the preclinical stage and two vaccines in Phase I clinical trials as of March 20, 2020.

Similarly, a pipeline assessment of diagnostics by Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, a global nonprofit organisation that drives research on diagnostics 36 molecular assays 38 immunoassays, are in development.

Data from a Coronavirus treatment acceleration program run by the United States Food and Drug Administration to support new therapies showed that 10 therapeutic agents were in active trials and another 15 therapeutic agents in planning stages.

Profits are at the centre of these endeavours. Wall Street is already monitoring biotech companies involved in making these products. According to Nasdaq, Dynavax Technologies Corp, a California-based company that makes adjuvants used to make vaccines effective at lower doses, will invest in the venture.

The company is working with the University of Queensland and has secured funding from the Oslo-based non-profit, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

CEPI has deployed up to $29.2 million in the search for a COVID-19 vaccine. The organisation hopes to fund at least three vaccine candidates and estimates it would need an investment of $2 billion to develop a vaccine ready for global deployment.