CoV2Research - May2020 - 9

was introduced into the monkeys' lungs; none developed a full-blown infection. Although this is an
exciting development, scientists caution that the
study was a small one. Another issue relates to the
model, since monkeys don't develop COVID-19 with
the same severity as some humans. The company is
planning Phase II studies by mid-May.

can all lead to delays. And then there are scale-up
issues. Vast quantities will be needed once a vaccine
is approved and there is worry that the necessary
production capacity is missing. Yet another difficulty
lies in making sure the vaccine gets to those in need,
as well as prioritizing those who should get it first.
It may very well be that the virus will have peaked by
the time a vaccine is available. But it would still be incredibly valuable, especially if the virus becomes endemic. However the situation unfolds, it's clear that
SARS-Cov-2 will leave an indelible mark on research
and manufacturing practices. Let's hope this means
we're ready when the next pandemic hits.

Manufacturing and logistics
Unfortunately, many viruses are formidable, slippery
targets that seem to remain outside the reach of
vaccines, such as HIV and hepatitis C. When it comes
to SARS-CoV-2, working in our favor is its apparent
slow-moving rate of mutation; however, whether
recovered patients (or vaccinated people) will have
long-lasting immunity remains a question. There
have been some reports of COVID-19 patients having little to no antibodies in their blood, which may
mean that reinfection is possible.

About the author
Lauren Tanabe has a Ph.D. in pharmacology and
molecular signaling from Columbia University. She
completed her postdoctoral work at the University of
Michigan as a Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
Fellow and at Wayne State University as an American
Cancer Society Fellow.

There are other matters to consider as well. Side effects, dosing issues, and manufacturing obstacles

CoV2Research - May2020

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