Thailand working on 4 Covid-19 vaccines that could be ready by 2023

Thailand is currently developing 4 different Covid-19 vaccines, which could be ready for public use next year. According to a Nation Thailand report, the CCSA was briefed on the progress of each vaccine at its meeting yesterday.

Chula-Cov19 is an mRNA vaccine being developed by a team at Chulalongkorn University and has received over 2.7 billion baht in funding from the Thai government. Currently in phase 2 trials, immunity has been reported as 2.5 times higher when compared to natural immunity or to 2 doses of other vaccines. Researchers expect to begin phase 3 trials in August 2023.

Meanwhile, the inactivated vaccine HXP-GPOVac is being developed by the Government Pharmacy Organisation and has received over 434.5 million baht in government funds. It’s currently undergoing phase 2 trials, with 250 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 75 taking part. HXP-GPOVac has been found to be safe and provides a good level of immunity. Phase 3 trials are expected to get underway in the third quarter of next year.

The third vaccine is being developed from a protein subunit of tobacco leaves and has received nearly 1.5 billion baht in government funding. Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax has completed phase 1 testing on 48 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 60. The trials have shown it to be safe, but researchers at Chulalongkorn University say the level of immunity generated is not satisfactory. They are now working on a second version in an attempt to increase immunity levels. If Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax does prove successful, it could be registered in quarter 3 or 4 of next year and would be the first plant-based vaccine in Asia.

The fourth vaccine being developed in the kingdom is a DNA vaccine administered by a jet injector. This is a device that replaces a needle by using a narrow stream of fluid to penetrate the skin and administer the vaccine. The Covigen vaccine has received 650 million baht in government funding and is still in phase 1 and 2 trials. If successful, it’s expected to be registered next year and will be the first vaccine not administered via needle.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand