As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, pharmaceutical companies are in a race against the clock to develop and produce a vaccine that can protect vulnerable populations from the virus. In order to speed up this process, many of these companies are utilizing new methods of vaccine development and production that have never been used before. Let’s take a look at how pharma is approaching vaccine development for COVID-19.
Accelerated Development Processes
One of the primary ways that pharma companies are attempting to move quickly on coronavirus vaccine development is by leveraging existing platforms and processes. Many of these organizations have already begun clinical trials on existing vaccines, such as those designed for influenza and other coronaviruses. By using these platforms, they can potentially reduce the amount of time it takes to bring a safe and effective vaccine to market.
In addition, many pharma organizations are utilizing newer technologies in their efforts, including artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can help identify potential drugs or treatments faster than traditional methods. Companies are also exploring gene therapy approaches—which involve introducing genetic material into cells to modify their behavior—as well as mRNA vaccines, which use messenger RNA molecules to teach the body's immune system how to fight off viruses.
Collaborative Efforts
In order to move quickly on developing a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine, many of these organizations are collaborating with each other as well as with government agencies and non-profits. For example, Pfizer has teamed up with BioNTech SE in Germany in an effort to expedite their research efforts; Johnson & Johnson has joined forces with Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Moderna has partnered with National Institutes of Health; AstraZeneca has partnered with Oxford University; and Novavax has teamed up with Emergent BioSolutions. These collaborations allow organizations to pool resources, share data, and work together on developing a successful vaccine more quickly than if they were working alone.
The race for a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is on, and many pharmaceutical companies are doing everything they can to speed up their development efforts. By leveraging existing processes, utilizing new technologies like AI systems and gene therapy approaches, and collaborating with partner organizations around the world, they hope to bring a successful vaccine solution sooner rather than later. With any luck—and continued hard work—we may soon see one or more vaccines hit the market that will help put an end to this pandemic once and for all!
