Health

Duke-NUS Scientists Developing Covid-19 Vaccine With Overseas Partners, Plan To Commence Trials This Year

Duke-NUS Medical School Working On Covid-19 Vaccine, Clinical Trials Set For This Year

As Covid-19 gains momentum in Singapore and across the world, scientists and researchers are scrambling to find a remedy for the novel coronavirus.

Singapore’s medical institutions are also playing their part, with Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) currently working with international partners to develop a Covid-19 vaccine.

Source

They hope to commence clinical trials for the vaccine this year.

Duke-NUS teaming up with international partners to come up with trial

On Wednesday (25 Mar), Minister of Health Gan Kim Yong addressed Parliament regarding the vaccine developments at Duke-NUS.

Source

He explained that the university is teaming up with scientists from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and other international partners, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

The team is currently running tests and searching for vaccine candidates so they can commence clinical trials in 2020.

Vaccine available only in 2021, says WHO

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that the earliest that a vaccine be available will be next year, said Mr Gan.

Scientists have been successful in isolating and replicating the virus, he said.

 

This will subsequently aid in developing a cure or vaccine for the disease.

For illustration purposes only
Source

Diversifying treatment methods

Mr Gan also shared that Singapore’s healthcare professionals are currently looking to make use of existing drugs in the market to treat Covid-19 patients.

The Covid-19 therapeutic workgroup is overseeing the creation of guidelines for drugs such as anti-HIV drugs Lopinavir and Ritonavir, Interferon Beta-1B, and hydroxychloroquine.

Furthermore, the National Centre For Infectious Diseases (NCID), Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and the Singapore Blood Bank are also banding together to find a cure by collecting blood samples from recovered Covid-19 patients to aid in research.

Source

S’pore doctors in trials overseas

Mr Gan was also quoted by CNA as revealing that Singapore doctors are involved in clinical trials overseas, in collaboration with international institutions such as the United States National Institutes of Health.

Source

Scientists are on track for a cure

Though we might not have a definite cure for the virus as of now, scientists are working hard to develop one.

Hence, Singaporeans can be assured that the Government and healthcare professionals have long-term plans to combat the virus.

We’re putting our trust in institutions such as Duke-NUS to quickly source for an effective Covid-19 vaccine so this nightmare will be over.

Featured image adapted from MCAT.

Vernice

Vernice loves Brown from LINE FRIENDS and anything timey wimey. Also a huge Harry Potter stan.

Recent Posts

Water supply cut off at Woodlands block for more than 1 day, residents shower at swimming pool

Residents queued to collect water from taps in the void deck or PUB water wagons.

14 Nov 2024, 2:15 am

URL on ‘Wicked’ dolls’ packaging links to porn site, Mattel apologises for misprint

The misprinted boxes are now coveted items on eBay.

13 Nov 2024, 6:30 pm

‘It suits you’: Daughter in Thailand asks for car, dad gets her tuk tuk instead

And she named her new purple ride after a popular Thai rum.

13 Nov 2024, 6:01 pm

2 boys rush out of MRT to return laptop left by alighting passenger, praised for actions

They managed to run back onto the train in time.

13 Nov 2024, 5:29 pm

Croatian scientist treats own breast cancer with viruses she developed in lab, has been cancer-free for 4 years

During the treatment, her tumour substantially shrank and was later removed easily.

13 Nov 2024, 5:16 pm

Boy with autism in M’sia refuses to get his haircut, barber patiently plays with him

The barber played with the autistic boy until he was ready for haircut.

13 Nov 2024, 5:15 pm