Israeli Scientists to Announce Development of Coronavirus Vaccine

Over 50 experienced PhD scientists from the Israel Institute for Biological research (IIBR; Ness-Ziona, Israel) are working to produce a vaccine and antibody for the novel coronavirus.

IIBR was established in 1952 as a governmental research institute, founded by a group of scientists from the IDF Science Corps and from academic organizations. Over the years, IIBR has been engaged in R&D in the fields of biology, chemistry, and environmental sciences. Since 1995, it has operated as a government-affiliated unit that research all areas of defense against chemical and biological weapons, including the operation of national laboratories for detection and identification of such threats. IIBR has now been assigned by the Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu to produce a vaccine and antibody for the novel coronavirus.

According to reports, scientists at IIBR have had a significant breakthrough in understanding the biological mechanism and qualities of the coronavirus and are expected to announce the completion of the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. However, a number of pre-clinical and clinical trials will have to be conducted for months before the vaccination can be deemed as effective or safe to use. Nevertheless, in view of the global emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, the trials could be accelerated to vaccinate a majority of the people who are at the highest risk of contracting the coronavirus.