التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة مصر لأخبار تكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات
Potential COVID-19 vaccine ready to move to the next phase of testing
Following an announcement last April in regard to developing a COVID-19 vaccine from tobacco leaves, British American Tobacco announced that it is now ready to test its potential COVID-19 vaccine on humans, after it generated a positive immune response in pre-clinical trials.
With the possibility of producing 1 to 3 million doses per week, if it got the support of government agencies and the right manufacturers, British American Tobacco, is awaiting approval from the FDA for the vaccine. On approval, it would progress to Phase 1 trials or testing on humans.
London-based BAT said it had submitted a pre-investigative new drug application to the FDA and that the agency had acknowledged the submission. The tobacco manufacturer believes that they could start as early as late June, pending the responses from relevant health bodies, and have invested in additional equipment to boost their manufacturing capabilities should they be needed.
BAT said it was also talking with other government agencies around the world about the vaccine, and have contributed in several ways to support nations with facing the covid-19 pandemic.
British American Tobacco Chief Executive, Jack Bowles recently highlighted that “The company has provided support either through loaning R&D equipment and expertise, donating funds and utilizing our distribution networks to ensure that medical and hygiene equipment reaches vulnerable communities. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the type of support required globally, and in the communities where we operate, will undoubtedly change. BAT’s support around the world will flex and evolve, responding to the ever-changing needs that this crisis creates.
