Israel And US Develop COVID-19 Vaccine

Illustration of drugs for the coronavirus (pixabay)

JAKARTA - Scientists from a number of countries work together to develop a powerful vaccine against the corona virus or COVID-19. One of the countries that have reportedly developed a corona vaccine is Israel and the United States (US).

Quoting from The Jerusalem Post, Israeli scientists have reportedly succeeded in developing a vaccine against the corona virus. This vaccine will even be finished in the near future.

“Congratulations to MIGAL (Galilee Research Institute) on this exciting breakthrough. I am sure there will be further rapid progress, enabling us to provide the necessary response to the global threat of COVID-19, "said Israel's Minister of Science and Technology, Ofir Akunis, Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

According to Akunis, the MIGAL research team is actually researching the IBV vaccine against diseases that attack poultry. However, the research team found other potential products of IBV vaccine derivatives to deal with the corona virus or COVID-19.

According to the research team, there are genetic similarities to the corona virus that infects poultry with COVID-19, which is now endemic in a number of countries. Regarding these findings, the research team is coordinating and awaiting in-vivo approval for testing of the IBV vaccine.

"This will be an oral vaccine, so it is more accessible to the general public. We are currently in intensive discussions with potential partners who could help accelerate the human trial phase and accelerate the completion of final product development and regulatory activities, "said MIGAL Galilee Research Institute CEO, David Zigdon.

Vaccine illustration (PhotoLizM / Pixabay)

The US Military Is Also Developing Vaccines

The United States (US) has also done the same thing with the development of the corona vaccine. It is hoped that this vaccine can be completed in the next few months.

“Our military research laboratory is working fast to try to make a vaccine. So we're going to see how research develops over the next few months, "said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley.

Quoted from Reuters, Mark Milley said that it is estimated that it will take one year to 18 months to have a COVID-19 vaccine that is fully effective and can be used by the wider community.

"Our researchers work very consistently, not only on vaccines but all kinds of things. Our laboratories also work in direct support with public health services," added Mark Milley.

Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he would meet pharmaceutical entrepreneurs to accelerate their efforts to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Pharmaceutical entrepreneurs are meeting with President Trump and the cabinet for a meeting to discuss ways to speed up vaccine production.

I am meeting with the major pharmaceutical companies today at the White House about progress on a vaccine and cure. Progress being made!

- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 2, 2020

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, the US Department of Defense has sought to limit the spread of the disease in its ranks. In the past week the department has canceled joint military exercises with South Korea.

The US military also restricted access to public areas at Army installations in Italy, and ordered all ships that have visited countries in the Asia Pacific region to remain at sea for 14 days. In addition, US Central Command has ordered all military personnel in Saudi Arabia to stop non-essential travel in the region.