COVID-19 R&D "Diagnostics Are Top-Notch, Therapeutics Remain a Challenge"

A visualization of clustering in the research and development investment areas of COVID-19.

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] An analysis of South Korea's research achievements on the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) revealed that while steady investment has been made in the diagnostic field compared to overseas, additional R&D is needed in vaccine and treatment development.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) Data Analysis Platform Center utilized national research project data from major foreign countries and the National Science and Technology Knowledge Information Service data to identify trends in overseas COVID-19 R&D investment and research areas. Based on this, they conducted a comparative analysis of domestic R&D investment and research area trends and reported these findings.

South Korea showed continuous investment compared to overseas in R&D areas named 'multiplex detection and point-of-care diagnostic platforms' and 'platform technologies related to immunological response research to infection and vaccine development.' The research team viewed the global attention on South Korea's diagnostic technology and virus response technology as a result of such investments.

However, they suggested that government R&D investment is necessary in detailed research areas including antigen-antibody based multiplex detection and point-of-care diagnostic platforms, vaccine and antiviral agent development, and virus prediction technology development.

Choi Heeyoon, President of KISTI, stated, "From the early stages of COVID-19 inflow, the South Korean government has been making efforts to block community transmission," adding, "Through R&D investment necessary to secure national infectious disease response capabilities, we are preparing the economic growth engine for the post-COVID era."

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