The state has led a rapid reaction to the novel coronavirus pandemic after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the UAE, in late January. All efforts are inline to find a COVID-19 cure ASAP.
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi stepped up to become a high-volume research centre, the first outside of China, capable of monitoring thousands of people every day.
To date, the UAE has one of the highest COVID-19 test rates in the world, with over four million studies completed according to the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.
UAE supports in all ways
Health authorities in Abu Dhabi and Beijing recently announced a collaboration between Sinopharm, a Chinese pharmaceutical corporation, and Group 42, artificial intelligence and also cloud computing business based in Abu Dhabi.
The two collaborators believe this will kick off the launch of the clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine in phase III to check if it is successful and safe to use.
Those clinical trials were approved by the UAE Minister of Health and Prevention.
UAE COVID-19 Cure
Many American and European companies are also developing potential vaccines, Euronews asked Ashish Koshy, Group 42 Healthcare’s CEO, why the best fit for the UAE is a partnership with China.
“Sinopharm is on top ten for two products. Two inactivated vaccinations,” says the CEO. “So that’s the essential relationship we’ve seen. That also looks like a possibly nice friend who we would add to the UAE. Transfer control to the UAE. And provide early access to UAE citizens.”
Some governments and institutions around the world are spending money in discovering a potential COVID-19 cure but Koshy insists that pursuing a solution is not a competition.
UAE Progress in COVID-19 cure
“Today, it’s a collective endeavour to counter this worldwide pandemic. Any country needs to play its part in getting involved, “he also tells Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham of Inspire Middle East.
Group 42 currently sequences COVID-19 in their genomics laboratory with the goal of understanding the human and viral effects of the vaccine
The company also developed an AI platform during phase III trials to identify patterns in the mutation of the virus. And to determine its effectiveness.
“We also have a range of data that people can tap in and come up with incredible ideas. That will sort out how the virus mutates and probably the antidote with COVID-19 cure solution,” says Koshy.
Phases I and II of the collective vaccine have also expired. Phase II trials finished in 28 days, according to Koshy. With 100 per cent of participants developing antibodies after two doses.
Koshy confirms that the firm is now targeting a group. A group of about 5,000 volunteers in Phase III to test the vaccine in the UAE.
When proven safe and successful. The medication will go for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And if approved, the company will reach the final step of large-scale manufacturing.
The company’s stakeholders are also hoping a vaccine could enter the market by the end of 2020 or early 2021.
Currently, the UAE has reported about 55,000 COVID-19 cases as it also continues its attempts to counter the pandemic.
