Coronavirus vaccines in development aren't a short-term cure
Coronavirus under a microscope. Photo: BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images
There are a dozen research projects underway to try to come up with a vaccine for the Chinese coronavirus, Biocentury reports.
What's new: Drug maker Sanofi Pasteur is entering the race to develop a vaccine by partnering with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority — known as BARDA, the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday.
Yes, but: "A vaccine is not a short-term solution controlling this epidemic, but it is an important tool that could control it for subsequent years if this virus continues to circulate in humans," said Andy Pekosz, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Where it stands: Chinese researchers cracked the virus' genetic sequence and shared it with other scientists.
- Several biotech companies and universities have begun working on potential vaccines, using millions of dollars' worth of grants from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, according to Biocentury.
- Several antivirals and steroids already on the market are also undergoing clinical trials to test their effectiveness against the novel virus. This could be a quicker solution.
Go deeper: How the world is responding to the coronavirus outbreak