With over 6.15 M confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported worldwide as of June 1, 20201, scientists in pharma, biotech, start-ups, research institutes, and universities around the world are racing to develop tests, treatments, and vaccines2 to combat COVID-19. Today in the U.S. there are ~110 FDA-approved test kit manufacturers and commercial laboratories,3 and more than 100 organizations working on vaccines and drugs to prevent or cure COVID-19,4 while globally more than 2,600 clinical trials of varying types and stages are underway.5
Even with so many scientists working at an accelerated pace, there are no drugs or other therapeutics presently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent or treat COVID-19.6 We hear the optimistic timeline for delivering a vaccine is January, 2021; however, this is quickly tempered by the reality of experience which suggests that it will be 12 to 18 months—or longer—to deliver an approved vaccine.7
The coronavirus pandemic affects us all. As we follow the progress of tests, treatments, and vaccines, many of us are asking if we will be able to return to our pre-coronavirus way of life,8,9 and, if yes, when? One thing is certain: the availability of an approved vaccine is a key requirement.
Sources:
(1)https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+people+worldwide+have+contracted+coronavirus
(2) https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/07/timeline-on-covid-19-vaccine-and-treatments-under-development-now.html
(3) https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/emergency-use-authorizations#covid19ivd
(4) https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-05-01/promises-covid-19-vaccine-therapeutics-cure
(5) http://covid19.trialstracker.net/
(6) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/therapeutic-options.html
(7) https://www.healthline.com/health-news/will-we-really-have-a-covid-19-vaccine-in-january
(8) https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/05/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine
(9) https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-industry/
Interested to learn more?
View this free on-demand webinar: “Vaccines: From Concept to Immunization”
Hosted by WPI adjunct professor Masha Fridkis-Hareli, this webinar provides a high-level overview of the vaccine development process and offers insight into the variables considered during production. The webinar is designed to educate everyone from the citizen scientist and casual student to those working in life sciences and healthcare.
Looking for more in-depth, technical understanding of related topics?
Supply Chain Essentials – Online Graduate Certificate
Data Science – Online Graduate Certificate
♥ Love this post? Subscribe to Catalyst