“This is where America shines,” Baylor professor says.
The race is on to find a vaccine to combat the aggressive spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. With funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and others, scientists with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found a potential option.
Their researchers were able to act quickly because they had already laid the groundwork during earlier epidemics.
”We had previous experience on SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS-CoV in 2014. These two viruses, which are closely related to SARS-CoV-2, teach us that a particular protein, called a spike protein, is important for inducing immunity against the virus. We knew exactly where to fight this new virus,” said a senior professor of surgery and co-senior author of the new study.
The researchers used mice in the study, delivering the vaccine to them, and within two weeks, the mice began to develop antibodies against the virus.
They are now seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration to begin clinical trials in humans “in the next few months.” Still, it would likely take a year or longer before next steps could be taken, and 12-18 months for a vaccine to be widely available.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For scientists and researchers working to find the right vaccine against the coronavirus that would address not only COVID-19 but any future mutations.
- With thanksgiving to God for giving them knowledge and information, often without the knowing the Source, that enables them to move forward.
Sources: Fox News, Lancet