CDIM
Development of new coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine
One month has passed since the emergency declaration regarding the new coronavirus (COVID-19) was lifted.
Economic activities are gradually resuming, but it seems hard to say that the threat of the virus has disappeared, with around 50 new infected people appearing every day in Tokyo. Rather, the number of infected people is increasing in the world, and there are still many hurdles for the world to become normal.
One of the promising countermeasures against the virus is the development of a vaccine, but the first clinical trial of the vaccine in Japan was announced. It is being developed by the venture company Anges in Osaka.
– Press Release of Anges Inc. –https://www.anges.co.jp/pdf.phppdf=DdaV8kN5YuxAj2GdulIHFPOq7iFVvbdT.pdf
Expectations for development of genetic vaccine
This vaccine is a kind of genetic vaccine called "DNA vaccine", which is technically different from conventional vaccines. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines that have been developed ahead of time include Oxford University/AstraZeneca (virus vector vaccine) and US Moderna Therapeutics (mRNA vaccine), all of which are genetic vaccines. These use part of the gene sequence of the virus as a vaccine.
Conventional vaccines originally used a pathogenic virus as a starting material, and it would take 1-2 years to become a vaccine for clinical trials because it is necessary to multiply this with chicken eggs and weaken its toxicity. It is said. On the other hand, gene vaccines need only produce the target gene sequence, which can speed up development. Nowadays, it is hoped that vaccines will be put into practical use, and genetic vaccines are one of the most promising technologies.
However, these genetic vaccines are still commercialized only for some animal drugs. As a result of the progress of many developments worldwide this time, technical problems may be solved, or the usage of adjuvants, etc. may be devised and established as a practical technology.
At Corona, many people are forced to work remotely, and the importance of IT technology is once again recognized. In the medical field, digital technology is attracting attention, and in this context, we would like to hope that the new technology for vaccines, so-called biotechnology, will also be a good example of technological innovation in crisis situations.
Responsibility: Ai Ito
Ai Ito (CDI Medical Consultant Co., Ltd.)
Completed a master's course at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University (pharmacist). Completed a master's degree at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine.
After working as a trading company, an independent venture capital firm, a healthcare / bio venture company, a management consulting firm, etc. Conducts consulting including strategy support and execution support, including mid-term business strategy, new business strategy, overseas development, open innovation strategy, etc., mainly in the life sciences and healthcare field.