The government said Monday that a potential Covid-19 vaccine, derived from plant protein which uses the same technology as an as-yet-unapproved vaccine from Novavax Inc. could be ready for production in a few weeks.
Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said the vaccine has been developed by Baiya Phytopharm Co., a Thai startup company. The so-called "subunit" vaccine presents one or more antigens to the immune system without introducing pathogen particles, whole or otherwise.
The company will send the documentation to the Food and Drug Administration seeking an inspection of the factory, and expects to begin vaccine production in the next few weeks. It will undergo early human testing around September as planned.
The research team will officially seek about 100 volunteers in August, who are in good health, aged between 18-55 years and 65-75 years. Once the vaccine passes the process successfully, it is expected that it can be produced for use in the middle of 2022. People will receive two vaccinations, three weeks apart, and it will sell for around 300-500 baht per dose.