A New Coronavirus Vaccine Has Been Developed

Photo Credit: BioSpace x Semmi W.

After 42 days, U.S. biotech firm Moderna, has developed a coronavirus vaccine (known as mRNA-1273). Official testing for mRNA-1273 might began as early as April. First, the experimental vaccine will be sent to U.S. government researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Moderna made the announcement before President Trump announced that Vice President Mike Pence would be leading efforts to stop and manage the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States. Around the world, more than 80,000 people have been infected with COVID-19.

45 People are expected to participate in the first trial for the vaccine. According to NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, even if the clinical trials are successful it will take at least another year and a half for the vaccine to be widely available.

The coronavirus has spread to 53 countries. Every continent except for Antartica has been impacted by the disease.

To improve diagnosis and provide support for an effective vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with 150 labs around the world.

In addition to Moderna, other pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson are working on developing an COVID-19 vaccine. Recently, the WHO announced that remdesivir, a drug created by Gilead has been shown to positively treat those impacted by coronavirus.