Israeli scientists are developing vaccines for COVID-19, which is expected to enter clinical trials within 90 days

According to Israeli Technology Minister Ofir Akunis on February 27, Israeli scientists are developing vaccines against the coronavirus (COVID-19). If everything goes according to plan, the vaccine can be developed in a few weeks and it is expected to enter the clinical trial phase within 90 days.

"Congratulations to the MIGAL Galilee Research Institute on this exciting breakthrough. I believe that there will be next steps to help us deal with the impact of the COVID-19 virus." Ofir Akunis said.

The Institute said in a statement the same day that the new vaccine is based on a vaccine developed in the past four years for avian coronavirus, which has proved effective in animal experiments.

The novel coronavirus is a highly consistent gene with the new coronavirus infection. The mechanism of infection of the coronavirus is similar. Therefore, it is expected that a vaccine suitable for humans will be rapidly developed on this basis.

"The scientific framework for vaccines is based on a new protein expression vector that forms and secretes a chimeric soluble protein that passes viral antigens into mucosal tissues through self-activated endocytosis, thereby forming the body Antibodies against the virus. "

It is reported that endocytosis is a cellular process by wrapping a substance with a cell membrane and sending it into the cell, forming a vesicle containing the injected substance.

Chen Katz, head of the Biotechnology team at the Galilee Institute, said that in preclinical trials, the team confirmed that oral vaccines can elicit high levels of antibodies against infectious bronchitis virus.

"It can be said that this time is pure luck," he said. "We started by deciding to use coronavirus as a model of our system to confirm our technological philosophy."

Researchers hope to produce the vaccine in 8 to 10 weeks and enter the clinical trial phase within 90 days.

The institute will be responsible for developing the new vaccine, which will then go through regulatory procedures, including clinical trials and mass production.

"In view of the global urgent need for a human coronavirus vaccine, we are making every effort to accelerate development," said David Zigdon, CEO of the institute. He said the vaccine "is available within 90 days. Security approval. "

MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute

The Galilee Institute is an applied research institution specializing in the fields of biotechnology, environment, and agricultural sciences. The Galilee Institute was established in 1979 in the city of Kiryat Shmona to create a core scientific research facility and a knowledge-based economic producer on the periphery of northern Israel.

The mission of the Institute is to maintain and expand its innovative scientific research activities and to expand the economic and social benefits of these activities throughout the Galilee region. It is not only a center of scientific excellence, but also an extension center for industrial, agricultural and educational areas in northern Israel.