Israeli Biological Research Facility Soon To Announce Completion Of Development Of A COVID-19 Vaccine
Image Courtesy of BIDMC
Jerusalem , March 14th 2020 : Scientists in Israel are expected to announce in the coming days that they have completed development of a vaccine for the new coronavirus COVID-19, according to a media report here.
Israeli daily Ha’aretz, quoting medical sources, reported on Thursday that scientists at the Israel’s Institute for Biological Research, supervised by the Prime Minister’s office, have recently had a significant breakthrough in understanding the biological mechanism and qualities of the virus, including better diagnostic capability, production of antibodies for those who already have the virus and development of a vaccine.
In a separate development Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced that its Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies have entered a collaboration with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) to support the development of a preventive vaccine candidate for COVID-19.
The parties have commenced preclinical testing in Israel of multiple vaccine prospects, with the aim to identify by the end of the month a COVID-19 vaccine candidate for clinical trials.
Janssen is optimistic that, in collaboration with multiple global strategic partners, it can initiate a Phase 1 clinical study of a potential vaccine candidate by the end of the year.
In parallel to these efforts, Janssen is preparing to upscale production and manufacturing capacities to levels required to meet global public health vaccination needs.
"It is critical to work with the best scientific minds as we look to rapidly identify and develop solutions to the COVID-19 outbreak," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "We are grateful for talented and experienced collaboration partners like Dan Barouch and his team at BIDMC. By mobilizing our collective resources, we believe we can leverage the top science and cutting-edge capabilities to respond to this pandemic."
The development process, however, requires a series of tests and experiments that may last many months before the vaccination is deemed effective or safe to use, the report said.
The Institute for Biological Research, located in the central Israeli town of Nes Tziona, was established in 1952 as part of the Israel Defence Forces’ Science Corps, and later became a civilian organisation.
“The biological institute is a world-renowned research and development agency, which relies on experienced researchers and scientists with great knowledge and quality infrastructures. There are now more than 50 experienced scientists working at the institute on researching and developing a medical remedy for the virus,” a spokesman for the Israeli Defence Ministry said.
It is technically under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office, but is in close communication with the Defence Ministry, as per the report.
"The Israel Institute for Biologcal Research was assigned by the Israeli Prime minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, to act as quickly as possible to produce a vaccine and neutralizing antibodies for the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19," said Prof. Shmuel C. Shapira, Director General of IIBR. Prof Shapira continued, "More than 50 experienced Ph.D. IIBR's scientists are working tirelessly to produce a vaccine and neutralizing antibodies for the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19. This is a world-leading group in aspect of knowledge, experience and infrastructure. The Israel Institute for biological research was assigned to the task based on its proven professional scientific capabilities and previous successes in the field."
About Israel Institute for Biological Research
The Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) is a national center for research and development that specializes in the fields of biology, chemistry and the environmental sciences, and aims to enhance Israel's strengths and fortitude. IIBR recruits leading Israeli scientists and benefits from cutting edge technologies and infrastructure built to serve the topmost research and strict safety standards. IIBR capabilities, scientific achievements and decades of advanced R&D lead to national and international reputation and prestigious collaborations.
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