Domestic Isolation Strain of COVID-19 Virus Available for Distribution from the 17th

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The National Institute of Health under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 12th that it will distribute the 'COVID-19' virus isolated domestically starting from the 17th through the National Culture Collection for Pathogens (NCCP).

Domestic isolates can only be distributed to institutions equipped with Biosafety Level (BL) 3 research facilities. However, genetic material extracted from the virus (viral nucleic acid) can be distributed from the 19th to institutions with research facilities of Biosafety Level 2 or higher.

To receive the novel coronavirus pathogen resources, users must register and obtain authorization on the online distribution desk. Documents such as the distribution application official letter, pathogen resource distribution application form, and pathogen resource management and utilization plan must also be submitted.

Applications are accepted through the 'Pathogen Resource Online Distribution Desk (http://is.cdc.go.kr)' on the National Culture Collection for Pathogens website. Jeong Eun-kyeong, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "By distributing the isolated virus to related ministries and research institutions for active use in the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, we expect to respond swiftly to public health crises."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.