Working on vaccine and treatment
Janssen, part of Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi, a French drug manufacturer, have contracted with the federal government to try to lock down a vaccine and treatment against the coronavirus that has been spreading across the globe.
There are currently no vaccines or treatments for the virus, which has affected over 72,000 in China and killed over 1,800 there. So far, 15 people in the U.S. have been infected. Officials are trying to work quickly to create the vaccine and treatment so they can be prepared in case the virus turns into a pandemic or return in future years during the flu season.
The agency in charge of overseeing the development of medicines, the Biochemical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), announced on Tuesday that it will be providing funding for Sanofi to research and develop a vaccine. That company worked on a vaccine for SARS, which is another type of virus.
Janssen announced that it is also undertaking development of a vaccine for the coronavirus, working alongside government scientists on medications to treat the illness. Other government agencies are also looking at potential vaccines, treatments and ways to test for the virus, including drugs to prevent and treat severe acute respiratory issues.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For officials with BARDA, the drug companies, and others who are striving to find a vaccine and treatment for the coronavirus.
- That the contagion would soon be contained, and a global pandemic averted.
Sources: Washington Examiner, The Hill
