NSTnation: 'Vaccine development at later stages, for example at clinical trials, involves huge investment, and there is significant risk of failure. It also requires sufficient number of patients for trials. Hence, it is not easy.'
But limited resources and lack of investment hindered development in this, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.
“Malaysia has the expertise to develop the vaccine. Whoever is investing can always build the facilities,” he said yesterday. He said Malaysia was lagging behind as it was dependent on international manufacturers for vaccine supplies and that millions had been spent on importing vaccines when they could be engineered locally.
“The flu vaccine is critical for national security. When there was a flu pandemic in 2009, we were short of flu vaccines as they were diverted to high-income countries or countries that have manufacturing plants.”On average, it takes 10 years from pre-clinical trials before it can be certified effective and safe for registration by regulatory bodies.
“Even the National Institutes of Health rely on smart partnerships with multinational corporations,” he said, adding that NIH’s timeline to develop a Covid-19 vaccine assumed that a large pharmaceutical manufacturer would step up to develop the product.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Police: 158 drunk drivers arrested in Kuala Lumpur in January | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 — A total of 158 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in the capital city throughout January this year, said Kuala Lumpur Traffic and Investigation Department (JSPT KL) head ACP Zulkefly Yahya. He said of the 158 individuals detained, 118 had...
Read more »
Seorang terperangkap dalam runtuhan kondominium di Kuala LumpurSebahagian struktur sebuah kondominium yang masih dalam pembinaan di Taman Desa Coalition, berhampiran Jalan Klang Lama, runtuh.. FMTNews Bomba Kondominium TamanDesaCoalition
Read more »
Xavier calls for halt to degazette Kuala Langat forest reserveDevelopment of forest land flies in the face of preservation philosophy, says minister.
Read more »
Baits laced with rabies vaccine for stray dogsNSTnation: The Veterinary Services Department has a new strategy to administer anti rabies vaccine to straydogs.
Read more »
WHO: Coronavirus vaccine available in 18 monthsCORONAVIRUS | We have to do everything today using the available weapons to fight this virus, says WHO chief.
Read more »