Shortage of Quarantine and Diagnostic Supplies... North Korea Announces "Start of COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials"

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] It has been confirmed that North Korea is developing its own novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

On the 18th, an article titled "Research and Development of a New Coronavirus Candidate Vaccine" was posted on the website 'Mirae' of the State Science and Technology Commission under the North Korean Cabinet. It reported that clinical trials related to the COVID-19 vaccine are currently underway in North Korea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The vaccine, developed by the Institute of Medical Biology under the Medical Research Institute, utilizes the host cell receptor 'Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2' (ACE2), which the COVID-19 virus uses to invade host cells. The institute recombined the vaccine based on the genetic sequence data of the viral envelope spike protein that binds to ACE2.

The article stated, "The safety and immunogenicity of the candidate vaccine have been confirmed through animal testing, and clinical trials began in early July," adding, "Phase 3 clinical trials, the final stage of vaccine development, are under discussion."

It also mentioned that the Biological Engineering Branch of the North Korean Academy of Sciences is conducting research on a COVID-19 candidate vaccine. The State Science and Technology Commission, which posted this article, was merged into the Cabinet Academy of Sciences (now the Academy of Sciences) during Kim Jong-il's first term but was reinstated as an independent ministry in 2009. It is known to be responsible for the macro-level administration and coordination of national science and technology.

However, considering North Korea's medical standards and financial situation, it remains uncertain whether the vaccine development is progressing smoothly. Due to shortages of COVID-19 prevention and diagnostic supplies, North Korea has received support such as diagnostic kits and disinfectants from the international community, including Russia and Switzerland, since early this year.

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