Airlangga University developing two COVID-19 vaccines

Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - Surabaya-based Airlangga University (Unair) is currently developing two COVID-19 vaccines, which will be launched during an open senate session that will mark the campus's 66th anniversary on November 9, 2020.

“There are two vaccines, namely the Red and White vaccine and an oral vaccine, which have entered the third stage of all stages of vaccine development. There are also the Unair 3 drug and reagents,” Unair Rector, Prof. Mohammad Nasih, said here on Thursday.

However, he said, the launch of the vaccines is not for human use, but for the next stages of clinical trials.

"We want to release something on the 66th anniversary of Unair. Because, if we wait for the vaccine to be finished and used, it will be next year. It's likely to be in March or April, 2021 this vaccine will be completed, if all goes well," he said.

The launch is also intended to showcase the progress of the vaccines, COVID-19 drugs, and reagents being developed by Unair researchers.

The Red and White vaccine against COVID-19 is being developed through a collaboration with several other universities in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Unair’s oral COVID-19 vaccine is in the form of a tablet and has been designed to increase immunity against the virus.

"It's a little different from drugs that target the virus directly," Prof. Nasih explained.

The vaccine is being developed through a collaboration between the Institute of Tropical Disease (ITD) of Unair and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.

"Judging from the mode, the oral one will be easier (to develop). Vaccines require a lot of activity and processes, while the oral (vaccine) is relatively simpler. However, the results must be evaluated for side-effects and all (products) must be (tested to ensure they are) safe,” Prof. Nasih said.