On May 5, KRIBB (Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology) has announced the successful development of a vaccine candidate material for the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19). This breakthrough was achieved through the collaboration of the research team led by Dr. Jung Dae Kyun from the Center for Research on Infectious Diseases of KRIBB and the Korea University (KU) research team of Professor Song Dae Sub (College of Pharmacy).

Unlike previously tested DNA or mRNA vaccine forms, this newly created vaccine does not contain the real virus. Rather, it uses an artificial virus created through recombinant protein technology. This way, it is safer in that the virus cannot revive inside the body after administering the vaccine.

Dr. Jung commented, “This research will not only contribute considerably in procuring new platforms for the vaccine development technology but also in relieving the national anxiety against contagious diseases.” The joint research team has now transferred the vaccine technology to HuVet bio, a startup company specializing in providing medical solutions against the COVID-19, which will now complete the preclinical trial before the end of the year.