자국 우선주의에 백신 독점 우려
It’s been exactly 6 months since South Korea confirmed its first COVID-19 patient. Back then, the novel coronavirus wasn’t yet a global pandemic but South Korea responded very quickly and within weeks it had plans to develop a test kit and eventually a vaccine.
Since then, Korea has built a solid reputation for its medical response to the virus but can K-Bio go above and beyond expectations,… first starting with the development of a vaccine.
For this we connect with Jerome Kim,… Director General of the International Vaccine Institute based here in Seoul.
Lovely to have you on the program.
It’s been an exciting month for you. Your institute has been involved in testing a vaccine, with Inovio and Seoul National University Hospital. You began human trials week — how’s it looking so far?
The South Korean government aims to have a locally-produced vaccine out by the second half of 2021. Do you think this is possible?
How do you assesse the South Korean government’s support for the scientific community in its efforts to develop a vaccine? (Have its fast-track approval process, funding, and etc. been sufficient?)
Are there any advantages South Korea enjoys in developing a vaccine?
What unique challenges do South Korea-based firms and researchers face in developing a vaccine? Do regulations on patient data and biospecimens hinder the process?
In regards to vaccines, some studies say they may only be effective for two to three months — why is this the case?
Vaccine nationalism is becoming a source of concern. Could this develop into something more consequential than a bit of harmless rivalry?
There are fears cyber attacks may be launched to steal information. Is this a genuine concern scientists must deal with now?
Even North Korea claims to be developing a vaccine now and says human clinical trials will begin this month. How successful do you think they will be?
The University of Oxford is currently in Phase 3 and U.S. Bio company Moderna claims to have seen success in triggering an immune response. But there has been some skepticism over Moderna’s findings. What needs to be verified before we can be optimistic?
America’s Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, has called having a vaccine ready by the end of 2020 aspirational. Would you agree?
How do we ensure everyone will have access to a vaccine? Firstly, those in developing countries who are already grappling with epidemics and high HIV incidence rates. Second, for people without adequate medical coverage in countries like the U.S.?
How has IVI been promoting international cooperation on efforts towards a vaccine?
In the meantime, what’s the best way to keep our immune system strong?
Health authorities are saying the novel coronavirus strain spreading in South Korea right now has its origin in Europe and the US, which is known to be six times as infectious as the original strain that emerged in China. Will this change things for vaccine developers or the way we respond to the virus?
Also, are there any ways members of the public can get involved or support scientists in their efforts?
We’ll hve to let you go now Dr. Kim. That was Jerome Kim,… Director General of the International Vaccine Institute. Thanks for joining us today.
#SouthKorea #COVID19vaccine #JeromeKim
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