MINSK, 22 December (BelTA) – Belarus' prototype coronavirus vaccine might see the light of day at the end of 2021- the middle of 2022, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) Vladimir Gusakov told reporters following the meeting hosted by the head of state to discuss antiviral vaccines and localization of production of foreign vaccines in Belarus, BelTA has learned.
According to him, a working group of 15 scientists has been put together to develop a domestic vaccine. These scientists are from the NASB and the Healthcare Ministry. Their task is to develop a domestic vaccine that would be on a par with foreign vaccines but take into account Belarus' specifics, the course of the disease on the territory of our country, Vladimir Gusakov noted.
Research is in full swing now; best foreign practices are being studied. “We believe that we will be able to develop Belarus' prototype coronavirus vaccine in late 2021 - mid-2022. After that clinical and pre-clinical trials will take place,” Vladimir Gusakov said.
So far, the researchers use the equipment of the National Academy of Sciences, but there are plans to set up a special laboratory. A comprehensive program to develop a domestic coronavirus vaccine is expected to be drafted and approved by the president.
