Government: "COVID-19 Vaccine May Be Developed as Early as Next Year... Plasma Treatment Within 2-3 Months" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 14th, the government announced that the goal is to develop antibody drugs using the blood of recovered patients from COVID-19 as early as next year, and plasma treatments within 2 to 3 months.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' quarantine team, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, "We have prepared a pan-government support system to assist the early success of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines."

The government is currently promoting the development of antibody drugs and plasma treatments using the blood of recovered patients, while swiftly supporting clinical trials for drug repurposing that expands the use of existing medicines to develop treatments within this year.

Head Yoon stated, "We aim to enter clinical trials for antibody drugs within this year, and they could be released as early as next year," adding, "For plasma treatments, we are conducting joint research with domestic companies and securing large amounts of blood, aiming to develop treatments within 2 to 3 months."

The government also set the target timeline for domestic vaccine development to the second half of 2021 or 2022. Head Yoon explained, "We are currently promoting vaccine research on various platforms through public-private cooperation and international collaborative research."

Head Yoon emphasized, "Treatments and vaccines are hurdles that must be overcome for the complete eradication of COVID-19," and said, "We will provide focused support to ensure the early success of treatment and vaccine development."

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