Human trials for a new vaccine against the COVID-19 (coronavirus) should begin in about six weeks. This news comes as a great relief to the US and the world. A Vaccine will be a welcome gift to the world. Our world has seen the horrific spread of this respiratory disease.
As of today, Feb 28COVID-19 has infected, 82,000 people. We know there have been over 2,704 deaths in China and 57 deaths in 46 other countries. Human trials indicate the first phase of creating a vaccine to prevent the virus from global domination.
Human Trials and the Spread of COVID-19
To Kill or Prevent a Virus, You Must Isolate It and Know Every Detail About It.
In case you have not heard about the latest countries involved, Mexico, Nigeria, Estonia, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Lithuania have now reported their first cases, according to WHO. Those countries report that they believe the virus hit them from people with “travel history connected to Italy. Certainly, Italy is the worst-affected European country. Mexico is the second Latin American country to register the virus, after Brazil. And the Nigerian case is the first in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Now, with Human Trials for a Vaccine: Hope
Pulmonologists, like our experts at Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists have joined in one plea. This plea includes health care providers around the globe. Together, they have cried out for communities to be vigilant against the disease. However, they must not be panic-stricken. Now both research scientists and practicing doctors can join in the hope we are on the right track to defeat this virulent enemy.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. After the announcement of the human trial testing for a potential vaccine, Dr. Fauci stated, “We are on time at least and maybe even a little bit better…”
Human trials testing a potential vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus. They are expected to begin in six weeks, U.S. health officials announced Tuesday.
“Hopefully, no Further Glitches.”
“The White House reportedly asked Congress on Monday for $1.25 billion in additional funding to bolster its coronavirus response. The request included money to develop a vaccine and therapeutics to treat the virus.”
As FLASS previously blogged, the National Institutes of Health has been working with biotech company Moderna to develop a vaccine using the current strain of the coronavirus.
Secretary Azar: High Hopes and Level-Headed Advice
Most people do not understand how much time and money there is involved in creating a vaccine. Experts will have to develop, test and review the vaccine. Usually, this can take not only months but even years.
Before Human Testing: Life of a Vaccine
Human Trials Require Many Hours of Meticulous Work in Medical Laboratories, World-Wide.
The procedure requires a long, tedious time because before researchers can even think about human trials. Understandably, they require 3 important factors:
- Discovering the complete understanding of the pathogen,
- Designing and passing numerous safety tests,
- And selecting and organizing a sufficient number of human volunteers.
Fast-Tracking Work on a COVID-19 Vaccine.
Where are we now with our discoveries? Fauci stated that the potential vaccine has been successful with live lab mice. This means it is “immunogenic.” It triggers a response in the immune system, of the test animals. Certainly, this suggests it could fight the virus. Now let’s examine the details:
1. Scientists placed the gene into a messenger RNA.
2. They produced it for the mice.
3. Researchers proved it’s immunogenic.
4. Now, paperwork must be submitted to prove compliance with regulations and safety.
5. Then the doctors will give the vaccine to volunteers and carefully collect data and monitor results.
Human Trials for Vaccine: Great, But Not a Treatment
Holding back optimism, Fauci cautions us all. The vaccine might not provide a solution to “problems in the next couple of months but it certainly would be an important tool…”He warned us of the popular opinion that COVID-19 could be seasonal. This means the virus could recede as we enter the warmer seasons. Then, like influenza, it could return to infect us again and again. This fear has fed scientists to fast-track the research for a vaccine.
Developing Treatment: No Proven Therapies
Let’s compare COVID-19 to the flu. You already know that the flu often ends with a severe cold unless there are bacterial complications that send the patient into bronchitis or pneumonia. Of course, we have antibiotics that work on those complications. So we often see complete recoveries. However, the rapidly growing COVID-19 often propels the patient straight into respiratory distress and treatment might not stop it.
Remdesivir On the Scene: Promise of Treatment
Hazardous Times are Ahead for Communities with Corona Virus. But New Vaccine Could Stop It, “In Its Tracks.”
So even as researchers work on a vaccine for the future, they are working on treatments for now. We know that “Local authorities in China are using Gilead Sciences’ antiviral drug Remdesivir.”
The trial will be created by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Joining them will be the experts with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. They will be testing Remdesivir against a placebo with standard protocols. But these things take time and the trial has not yet begun recruiting patients.
The following are noted medical evaluations of medications currently being used.
- A World Health Organization doctor (Bruce Aylward) toured China’s medical facilities. He said Monday that “Gilead’s medicine is the only one that appears to have promise against COVID-19…”
- Likewise, some authorities are also using then antiviral drug Kaletra. It was developed by drug manufacturer AbbVie, on a “compassionate basis.” According to Drugs.com, “Kaletra contains a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir.” You might recognize that “Lopinavir and ritonavir are antiviral medications that prevent the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.” Thus it is a treatment for HIV and AIDS, but it is not a cure.
Aware, But not Afraid—Preparation, Not Panic
Even as human trials of vaccines and treatments begin, economic and governmental concerns are increasing. We have all heard the horror stories. However, this is not the Armageddon attack of Zombie doom.
With care and caution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just want us to know what to expect if we face an epidemic outbreak in the US.
- Authorities will likely close schools and businesses if the COVID-19 virus becomes an epidemic outbreak in the U.S.
- So schools and businesses will need alternative ways of conducting class and business. Most likely this will require taking lessons or meetings by computer.
- Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases stated, “We are asking the American public to work with us to prepare for the expectation that this could be bad…”
Terrific Takeaways from This FLASS Blog
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the director-general of the World Health Organization. He put it in everyday language. He said “I understand this whole situation may seem overwhelming and that disruption to everyday life may be severe. But these are things that people need to start thinking about now.” And he added, “You should think about what you would do for child care if schools or daycare closed.”
Successful Human Trials For Vaccine and Treatment Will Mean Freedom from the Threat of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, we know many of you are already facing similar situations as the flu has caused many to miss school and work. So, here at home, one of our biggest challenges is to keep COVID-19 in perspective. Thank you for reading the FLASS blog and we will soon be updating you with information from the human trials for that all-important COVID-19 vaccine.