Bengaluru: Karnataka is keen to establish an immunology and vaccine research center in Bengaluru in partnership with the Emory Vaccine Center of Atlanta University in view of the sector’s gaining importance in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan said on Monday.
He was speaking in a webinar meeting held on Monday with the director of Emory vaccine center Dr Rafi Ahammad.
"Immunology is going to be the prospective area in the near future. Vaccines, infectious diseases, cancer research, etc all these boil down ultimately to immunology. The results of researches done now in the field of immunology will be the solutions to the problems of the coming days. Hence, investments done in this area are going to fetch fruitful results," Narayan explained.
He said that the entire world is pondering about immunology and effective vaccine at this juncture.
"The decision to set up an immunology and vaccine research center is very conducive in view of the present situation. The state government is also very keen on novel ways of COVID-19 diagnostic tests. This is also a sensitive issue in the present scenario, and the government is looking for larger benefits in this regard by collaborating with the Centre," the Dy CM said.
The state has a very robust ecosystem suitable for research and innovation. It needs to be focused on research in the development of vaccines, clinical trials, and translation of research studies to the benefit of the larger society, he explained.
"There are at least not less than 20 institutions of national eminence which are being engaged in vaccine development activities. All these will be integrated and the government is ready to support through policy implementation. The rigid restrictions which were in place earlier with regard to clinical trials are now being relaxed," Narayan pointed out.
Dr Rafi said that the Emory vaccine center has developed a highly specified and sensitive rapid test for COVID-19.
"This method has been adopted by hospitals in Atlanta, effectively and successfully. Plasma therapy, human molecular antibodies development are the other areas in which Emory center has been engaged," he further said.
He said that there is a scope for academic collaboration between Karnataka and Emory center.
"In the current situation, this can be achieved through an online platform. This will facilitate the exchange of knowledge between students of Karnataka and the center. Particularly this will be helpful for students of doctoral studies," he said.
He said that immunology is the primary focus field of the center, specifically, cancer immune therapy is the area that is being concentrated.
He also added that the center would come out with a specific proposal of collaboration to submit for the government of Karnataka.
