Coronavirus: Thai scientists working to manufacture affordable Covid-19 vaccine for Southeast Asia

Researchers at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University have recently begun trials of an experimental vaccine using monkeys

The university wants to mass produce a vaccine that will be accessible by people in the region and to counter global supply shortages

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A technician works at the Chula Vaccine Research Centre in Bangkok on May 25, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:27pm, 26 May 2020Updated: 1:26pm, 26 May 2020

A researcher leading Thailand’s push to manufacture a coronavirus vaccine says its aim is to make it cost-effective and accessible to Southeast Asia, and play a part in preventing a supply shortage globally.

Thailand’s government announced last week its plans to have a vaccine ready for deployment next year after researchers at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University successfully conducted trials on mice.

“We don’t aim for making money. It’s not a money issue but an accessibility one,” said Kiat Ruxrungtham, director of the university’s coronavirus vaccine development.

Thai trials of the experimental vaccine using monkeys started on Saturday, one of at least 100 potential vaccines in the works around the world.

Dr Kiat Ruxrungtham, director of Chulalongkorn University’s vaccine development. Photo: EPA-EFE

Kiat’s group has partnered with scientists and biotech companies in North America and wants to mass produce the vaccine in Thailand, at a price more affordable there and in nearby markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar.