DHAKA: Globe Biotech Limited (GBL) will take initiative to launch a clinical trial of their newly developed coronavirus (Covid-19) ‘vaccine’.

The pharmaceutical company made the disclosure at a press briefing held in its Tajgaon office in the capital on Thursday noon (July 2). 

Earlier on Wednesday (July 1), GBL claimed it had developed the first coronavirus vaccine in Bangladesh.

Terming their vaccine discovery as innovative and extremely promising, the company said the vaccine will be tried on animal model in the second step which will take six to eight weeks. After that, the clinical trial on human body will begin. To conduct the trial, Biotech is planning to apply to the authorities concerned of the government.

Dr Asif Mahmud, head of Research and Development in Biotech said: “In the primary trial, we have achieved success from the vaccine. It showed positive results in animal trial. We hope it will work for humans also. Now we will conduct the remaining procedures as per the government guidelines.”

Globe Biotech Limited Chairman Md Harunur Rashid was also present at the news briefing. He said: “We are expecting utmost assistance from the government for the development of the vaccine.”

BDST: 1708 HRS, JULY 2, 2020
AP/SMS