A new leading US-based COVID-19 vaccine is set to begin its 2nd phase of testing in South Africa. The NVX‑CoV2373, made by Novavax biotechnology company, has seen improving the immune system and stimulating antibodies inside the patient. One of the major benefactors of the drug is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Here’s what it can do.

New US-leading COVID-19 vaccine found!

NVX‑CoV2373, made by Novavax, Inc., is the newest leading US COVID-19 vaccine in the country. The drug has successfully passed its first phase testing and is now set to begin its 2nd phase clinical trial, which will happen in South Africa.

Dr. Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at Wits University and the one leading the trial, said via its official press release that the “NVX‑CoV2373 a stable, prefusion protein made using Novavax’ proprietary nanoparticle technology and includes Novavax’ proprietary Matrix‑MTM adjuvant.”

These drugs said to present a potent and well-tolerated effect in the human body. By stimulating the entry of antigen-presenting cells into the injection site and enhancing antigen presentation in local lymph nodes, the chemical boosts the immune response needed to counter the virus’s effect.

Not only that, but the vaccine also helps to increase the number of antibodies that block the binding of spike protein to receptors targeted by the virus.

So far, there’s no comparison whether the drug is comparable with the first world vaccine of Russia called Sputnik V. However, it may have reached the same objective.

Why South Africa?
Phase 2 of the trial will happen in South Africa, as this country experiences higher cases of COVID-19 positive.

Over 2,600 healthy adults in South Africa will be evaluated to know the effects of the drug. The company also mentioned that about 1,500 adults in America and Australia will soon be undergoing the trial.

Bill Gates funded the Novavax drug
Reuters reported that Bill Gates is one of the major benefactors of the NVX‑CoV2373 drug. Under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the clinical trial was provided with a $15 million grant.

Not only that, but the US government also gave the agency a $1.6 billion to cover all the expenses in testing and manufacturing of the potential vaccine. It targets to create 100 million doses by January 2021.

China also releases its own vaccine

Not only America nor Russia were leading to introduce its COVID-19 vaccine, but China also has something to present.

As Tech Times reported, China’s vaccine specialist CanSino Biologics Inc. got the patent approval from Beijing for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate Ad5-nCOV.

This is the very first COVID-19 vaccine granted by the government of China, according to the report.

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Written by Jamie Pancho