Waithaka Mwangi: Kenyan-born scientist to lead COVID-19 vaccine research in the US

[ad_1]

BY KEVIN KOECH

A Kenyan-born scientist based in the US is set to direct a research meant to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 prevention trial.

Waithaka Mwangi, a professor of diagnostic pathobiology in the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, will direct the study after the signing of pre-clinical research and option agreement, between Kansas State University and Tonix Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company.

Mwangi said the research is based on a new vaccine platform that his team developed for the bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V).

“A weakened BPI3V has previously been shown to be an effective vaccine vehicle in humans.

“More importantly, following extensive testing, BPI3V was shown to be safe and stable in infants and children,” Mwangi said.

Adding that,

“The vector is well suited for mucosal immunization using a nasal atomizer, but it can also be injected.

“Therefore, BPI3V is suitable for the development of COVID-19 vaccine candidates.”

Mwangi said his team is concentrating on the spike protein, which they say is the most critical protein of coronaviruses.

The research will be carried out at the K-State’s Biosecurity Research Institute in Pat Roberts Hall, a biosafety level-3 facility.

The post Waithaka Mwangi: Kenyan-born scientist to lead COVID-19 vaccine research in the US appeared first on Kenya Satellite News Network.

[ad_2]

Source link