Key progress made in race for a vaccine
Start of animal testing in London highlights global effort against virus
A group of scientists from Imperial College London has reportedly become the first team outside China to begin animal testing on a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.
The virus, which causes new coronavirus-infected pneumonia-named by the World Health Organization, or WHO, this week as COVID-19-has killed hundreds and sickened thousands, mainly on the Chinese mainland after making the leap from infecting animals to infecting humans. The newness of the virus in humans means there are no vaccines, and no proven therapeutics.
Researcher Paul McKay told media that the team hopes to have an effective vaccine ready for mass production by the end of the year.