[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Clinical trials for the development of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine are expected to begin within this month.
On the 11th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a COVID-19 response briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "We understand that South Korea will soon have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine being conducted by a renowned developer overseas," adding, "If the negotiations are formalized, a separate announcement will be made."
He continued, "While the quarantine authorities have many roles in vaccine and therapeutic research and development, ultimately, the effectiveness and efficacy must be confirmed through clinical trials involving patients, so connecting researchers with the field well is also one of the authorities' major roles."
Currently, there are no treatments or vaccines for COVID-19, and well-known domestic and international pharmaceutical companies are actively engaged in developing treatments and vaccines. Clinical trials involving humans are essential for vaccine development.
In response to the question, "Is the cooperation in the form of Korean COVID-19 patients participating in clinical trials?" Deputy Director Kwon replied, "Discussions are currently heading in that direction," and added, "We expect clinical trials to begin within April."
Deputy Director Kwon also stated, "Vaccines are at the starting line of a long development journey, and even if developed, there are many hurdles to overcome, such as whether mass production and vaccination will be possible and whether there will be side effects," adding, "The authorities will quickly organize the situation and respond promptly and flexibly."
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