After a vaccine in Germany: will there be a drug against corona?

The corona pandemic and its consequences will be with people for some time to come. The rapid progress in vaccination gives hope for easing and an end to the corona crisis. Nevertheless, corona infections can still occur. In order to be able to better control and cure a severe course of COVID-19, the federal government is investing 50 million euros in drug research.

Education Minister Anja Karliczek (CDU) announced some important points on research funding at today’s press conference.

Drug against COVID-19 is to be developed

After  a German pharmaceutical company, BioNTech  , was already intensively involved in the development of the mRNA vaccine, the German government wants to invest 50 million euros in drug research.

Despite progressive vaccinations, corona infections are still possible in people who do not want or cannot receive a vaccination. In order to be able to provide patients with the best possible care, research into the development of appropriate  medication  should continue.

According to Karliczek, every cent of the previous investments in corona research has paid off. In addition to the development of vaccines, the federal government also wants to invest in drug research. According to Karliczek, the first clinical studies are already underway and give hope for a drug. However, the studies are very time-consuming and expensive to carry out.

The focus here is on:

• Kinase inhibitors:  These are drugs that have a particular effect on infected body cells and are therefore aimed at preventing the virus from multiplying in the body.
• Monoclonal antibodies:  These special antibodies are usually genetically modified in the laboratory. They are developed on the basis of a special virus in order to specifically defend against and neutralize it.
• Special antibodies:  This type of antibody is designed to target the pathogenic signaling substances of the virus and improve organ function.

However, it was emphasized that there is no such thing as “one miracle pill” and one should invest in a wide variety of forms and methods. A provisional production facility for possible candidates should also be planned and taken into account at an early stage.

The development of a drug can take some time, but should be supported by the federal government in order to avoid possible long-term consequences of a corona infection.