The spread of the C virus or COVID-19 makes this pathogen a global health emergency or the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). In response to this, the Eijkman Molecular Biology Institute (LBM) is ready to develop the C orona antiviral vaccine in Indonesia.
LBM Eijkman's research coordinator, Frilasita Aisyah Yudhaputri, M.BiomedSc stated, through a molecular approach, LBM Eijkman was able to detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus in clinical samples. This is done by the RT-PCR ( real time polymerase chain reaction ) p ancoronavirus method.
"LBM Eijkman has a laboratory that is certified in handling high risk pathogens (Biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories). This facility is also supported by internationally recognized Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis tools, "Frilasita said at a health seminar in Jakarta on Wednesday (02/12/2020).
On the same occasion, Deputy Head of LBM Translational Research Eijkman, Prof. Dr. dr. David H Muljono, SpPD, FINASIM, PhD, explained that LBM Eijkman plans to develop an early Corona antivirus vaccine. One of them is by utilizing natural ingredients in Indonesia.
"We will conduct trials on the development of native Indonesian herbal medicines that can enhance body immunity, such as curcumin and others, for the prevention of viruses, including Corona virus. Development can work with biopharma and trials in teaching hospitals," David said explain the material.
Despite having adequate facilities, David stated that LBM Eijkman still needed more information about an antigen, which is a substance to stimulate the immune response in producing antibodies, to carry out the development of the antiviral vaccine.
"We have conducted informal communication with several related parties to make the coronavirus vaccine . What is clear, collaboration between research institutions is needed so that research can be faster and more accurate. Henceforth, later we will see its development, "said David.
