Kazakhstan to produce vaccine against COVID-19

The Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems of the Zhambyl region is ready to conduct clinical trials of a domestic vaccine against the novel coronavirus that was named 'KAZ COVID-In.' The World Health Organization registered the inactivated vaccine, which is considered the leading candidate for the population's mass immunization among five domestic drugs.

"The vaccine is a chemically killed and purified coronavirus,  mixed with an adjuvant. It is a known technology, based on which we first decided to make the same vaccine. "We use the same technology with other viruses. Besides, scientists in our institute are well acquainted with this technology. It takes less time to manufacture it," said Head of the Laboratory for Especially Dangerous Infectious Diseases Lespek Kutumbetov.

Scientists say that the human trials of the COVID-19 vaccine will start in September. Forty-four volunteers are to participate in the first phase, while the second phase will cover 200 people. Under normal conditions, the third and fourth phases should be completed for mass use. The national vaccine will be produced at the plant under construction in the Kordai district of the Zhambyl region. Governor of the Zhambyl region, Berdibek Saparbayev, reviewed the progress of the building. He stressed the importance of the timely commissioning of the facility. "The plant should be put into operation this year. It is especially crucial amidst the pandemic. 

 The biopharmaceutical plant will produce immunobiological drugs within the international standard of good manufacturing practice (GMP). It also provides vaccines against pandemic influenza, tuberculosis, brucellosis, nodular prurigo, and infectious animal diseases.