Hyderabad: As the coronavirus continues to creep across the globe, Ambassador of Israel to India, Dr Ron Malka confirmed that Israeli experiment with an antibody to treat coronavirus is at an 'advanced stage' which has made significant progress.
He, however, clarified that at the moment it is difficult to confirm the exact stage of the experiment and if this can be used as a vaccine at a later stage to prevent COVID-19.
"At the government level, we are coordinating and engaging the scientists and professionals from both sides (India and Israel) to see how they can work together or form a joint venture or developing a vaccine or antibody. This particular antibody may be something that can be used as vaccine later but for now, it is not a vaccine but kind of medicine that is supposed to kill the virus once it is already there," said Dr Malka.
The Ambassador underlined that India and Israel are collaborating closely on finding solutions to the pandemic with cooperation on some 50 suggested topics underway including joint venture on low-cost incubators to other equipment and devices.
Israel has nominated a point of contact to coordinate with experts from the field of science, technology and health and share good practices with India on data analyses to AI.
Read: WHO and European Investment Bank enhance efforts to combat COVID-19
"This crisis brought India and Israel even closer together. We see India as a precious and close friend given our mutual trust and respect," Dr Malka stressed.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Naftali Bennett in a statement said, "The monoclonal neutralising antibody developed at the Israel Institute for Biological Research can neutralise coronavirus inside carriers’ bodies."
According to the statement quoting the IIBR Director, the antibody formula was being patented and later a global manufacturer would be sought to mass-produce it. Similar claims of a breakthrough have been made by the Netherlands too.
Talking to select journalists as part of an AJC (American Jewish Committee) interaction, Dr Malka, however, said that specifics are still not known about if and when the antibodies can be mass-produced.
"I don’t know exactly which stage is it but it is an advanced stage. Hopefully, after completing the process it will be something that can be produced, made available to everybody. This is what I know about it now. We are trying different initiatives, different ways of developing either a vaccine, medicine, antibody, or antidote. This is the main area that we are working on. Until then we will do what we can to prevent the infection," remarked the Ambassador.
Of the 16000 people in Israel diagnosed positive, more than 10000 have fully recovered, around 5000 cases are still active of which some 70 are in ICU and the death toll stands at a comparatively lower figure of 230, the envoy informed.
Israel was among the first countries to stop incoming international flights and go in for a lockdown which is now being eased up to balance between lives and livelihoods, he said.
He added that while the economy needs to restart, the lifting of restrictions will be on trial and error basis subject to cases reminding under control. India and Israel have been exchanging notes on lockdown exit strategies too.
Israel known for its startups and innovations has used technology extensively to battle the Virus, with leading work done in areas of 3D printing drive through testing centres, anti-virus cloth fabric to cheap and open-source ventilators available to all.
Read: Harvard-affiliated hospitals announce progress towards gene-based COVID-19 vaccine
Advocating the use of technology and mobile applications for contact tracing of those diagnosed with COVID 19, the envoy said that careful line needs to be balanced to ensure data privacy.
"We need to balance. First and foremost, need not violate privacy as Israel is a vibrant democracy respecting rights of everyone and privacy and freedom. But on the other hand, this technology can also help us control and save people’s lives. So, it is a very careful line to balance," he said.
Asked about the criticism surrounding the Indian government’s Aarogya Setu App, he said that the trust is of immense importance for technology to be used effectively.
"The reason why it works so well in Israel because the basic thing is trust. You should trust and understand why people are using it. In other times no one will even dare to offer this kind of tracing,” said Dr Malka.
"Since we understand that technology is there which can save lives. If it is for a limited time with checks and balances and supervisions of different authorities, under the principles of democracy is something we need to do. If we trust each other, there is solidarity and understanding, then it can be acceptable," he further added.
Amid reports of people in West Bank suffering because of lack of sanitation and clean water access, the envoy claimed that Israel has offered assistance to Palestinian Authority and shared 'best practices to help and facilitate coping with this virus.'
"It is more important now, more than ever to work together with friends and neighbours because this is everybody’s enemy. We are helping as much as we can. If it’s a problem with our neighbours it can come and knock at our doors too," he responded to questions.
Asked about the blame game underway and allegations that China faces about the origin of the virus, the envoy said that for now, the focus is on fighting the virus.
"Investigations of where did it come from and why we can leave for later. Israel is not involved in it in any way at the moment. All our energy and focus is on trying to develop a vaccine," lamented Dr Malka.
Also Read: Israel ready with devp phase of COVID-19 antibody: Report
