This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
As the world continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus pandemic, scientists have made significant progress in the quest for a vaccine. According to reports, a potential vaccine developed by researchers at Oxford University has shown promising results in trials conducted on monkeys.
Published on May 10, 2020, the study, which was conducted by the Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group, involved vaccinating six rhesus macaque monkeys with the vaccine and then exposing them to a heavy dose of the Covid-19 virus. The results were astonishing, with all six monkeys remaining healthy even after being exposed to the virus.
While the study is still in its early stages, the findings have sparked hope that a vaccine could be available as early as September this year. The Oxford University team has already received £20 million in funding from the UK government and has begun human trials.
Meanwhile, researchers in Japan have also made a breakthrough in the development of an antibody that can prevent the body from getting infected with the new coronavirus. The antibody, which was developed by Kao, a household goods maker, in collaboration with researchers at Kitasato University, has shown promising results in lab testing.
With several countries and pharmaceutical companies involved in the quest for a vaccine and treatment, the recent breakthroughs are a welcome sign that the world is making progress in the fight against the pandemic.
