Thai university begins producing its own mRNA COVID vaccine

Thailand’s prestigious Chulalongkorn University has developed and begun producing batches of its own mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on the expectations that it will receive approval for public use by the end of this year.

Thailand already has enough supplies of COVID-19 vaccines from global pharmaceutical companies to inoculate its entire population, and vaccination rates in the Kingdom are high. However, the drive by Chulalongkorn and other research facilities to formulate, test and release locally developed vaccines is an important step in advancing the Kingdom’s medical, science and technological capabilities.

“The government wants Thailand to be a country capable of creating, conducting research and development and producing its own vaccine, which is in accordance with our 10-year strategic plan to become a medical hub,” said Rachada Dhnadirek Deputy Government Spokesperson.

“The goal was set before the COVID-19 pandemic began, and by becoming a vaccine production centre, more Thai people will have access to the vaccine,” Rachada said.

Thailand has long had one of the best public health systems among middle-income and developing countries, according to the United Nations. The Kingdom produces a wide range of pharmaceuticals, both generic and under license from multinationals. It also formulates and tests home-grown drugs and medications.

Once the Chulalongkorn vaccine receive Food and Drug Administration approval, Thailand could play a vital role in supplying COVID-19 vaccines to countries in the region, and particularly less developed countries that have been straining to access supplies of the life-saving vaccines.

Photo courtesy of https://www.chula.ac.th/en/clipping/73846/