11-12-2021, 08:40 AM
Michael Head
11 Dec 2021 06:00AM
(Updated: 11 Dec 2021 06:00AM)
SOUTHAMPTON, England: The Western world has written plenty about its high-profile COVID-19 vaccines: The mRNA products of Pfizer and Moderna, viral-vectored jabs from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and those that are just emerging, such as Novavax’s protein-based vaccine.
Many countries are relying on them for protection.
But not Cuba. It’s been quietly working on its own vaccines, immunising its population and selling doses abroad.
Cuba’s vaccine efforts have maintained a relatively low profile in the West to date. Politics may well be a reason.
The US embargo against Cuba that began in the cold war is still in effect, and tensions between the countries remain high.
But for those familiar with Cuba, its COVID-19 vaccine development should come as no surprise – the country has a long history of manufacturing its own vaccines and medicines.
Nor should it be surprising that two of its COVID-19 vaccines – Abdala and Soberana 02 – appear to have performed very well in trials.
.....
two doses of Soberana 02 with a booster of Soberana Plus are together 92 per cent protective against symptomatic COVID-19.
......
For Abdala ...... The three-dose schedule is also reportedly 92 per cent protective against symptomatic COVID-19 as well as allegedly fully protective against severe disease and death.
......
Given the difficult relationship between Cuba and the US, the market for Cuba’s vaccines will probably be its political allies.
Vietnam and Venezuela are reported to have received Abdala doses, Nicaragua has given emergency authorisation to both vaccines, and doses have previously been sent to Iran for use in clinical trials. Mexico and Argentina are also interested in using these vaccines.
......
Given most richer countries aren’t in the queue for Abdala or Soberana 02, it’s entirely possible that in future, parts of South America, Asia and Africa – where vaccine coverage is particularly low – may see Cuban vaccines in many arms.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commenta...ic-2366491
11 Dec 2021 06:00AM
(Updated: 11 Dec 2021 06:00AM)
SOUTHAMPTON, England: The Western world has written plenty about its high-profile COVID-19 vaccines: The mRNA products of Pfizer and Moderna, viral-vectored jabs from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and those that are just emerging, such as Novavax’s protein-based vaccine.
Many countries are relying on them for protection.
But not Cuba. It’s been quietly working on its own vaccines, immunising its population and selling doses abroad.
Cuba’s vaccine efforts have maintained a relatively low profile in the West to date. Politics may well be a reason.
The US embargo against Cuba that began in the cold war is still in effect, and tensions between the countries remain high.
But for those familiar with Cuba, its COVID-19 vaccine development should come as no surprise – the country has a long history of manufacturing its own vaccines and medicines.
Nor should it be surprising that two of its COVID-19 vaccines – Abdala and Soberana 02 – appear to have performed very well in trials.
.....
two doses of Soberana 02 with a booster of Soberana Plus are together 92 per cent protective against symptomatic COVID-19.
......
For Abdala ...... The three-dose schedule is also reportedly 92 per cent protective against symptomatic COVID-19 as well as allegedly fully protective against severe disease and death.
......
Given the difficult relationship between Cuba and the US, the market for Cuba’s vaccines will probably be its political allies.
Vietnam and Venezuela are reported to have received Abdala doses, Nicaragua has given emergency authorisation to both vaccines, and doses have previously been sent to Iran for use in clinical trials. Mexico and Argentina are also interested in using these vaccines.
......
Given most richer countries aren’t in the queue for Abdala or Soberana 02, it’s entirely possible that in future, parts of South America, Asia and Africa – where vaccine coverage is particularly low – may see Cuban vaccines in many arms.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commenta...ic-2366491