As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, knowledge and the proper technological platform in the production of sterile pharmaceutical forms are a key prerequisite when attempting to embark on the adventure of vaccine production, as is fully securing reliable funding sources.
”Here at JGL we have knowledge and skills in the production of sterile pharmaceutical forms, as well as a strong technological platform, and we could start producing a vaccine, either vector or mRNA type, but only if we get a license from a strategic partner to transfer the finished technology for vaccine production,” the Chairman of the Board of JGL, Ivo Usmiani, said recently.
When speaking about the complex issue of obtaining a license in order for the Rijeka coronavirus vaccination centre to ever become a reality, Usmiani stressed that Rijeka also has a Centre of Excellence for Viral Immunology and Vaccines with a dozen top quality virologists, viral immunologists and molecular biotechnologists at its disposal (more can be read in the link provided just above).
The head of the Centre of Excellence for Viral Immunology and Vaccines, Prof. Dr. Stipan Jonjic from the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, says that it would be fantastic if the production of vaccines against COVID-19 in Rijeka really materialises, Novi list writes.
”As you know, JGL has modern plants and basic working conditions that include the cultivation of cell cultures, purification and all other components of the sort of work that must take place in such sterile conditions. In addition, there are ambitions to develop molecular technologies that are key to vaccine development. As far as I know, they’d have to procure some of the infrastructure units, but that shouldn’t present a big problem although there could be a problem in regard to time.
If JGL concludes a contract with a company that already produces an approved coronavirus vaccine and provided that all technological preconditions for production are met, and certain licenses, packaging and the proper storage of vaccines are required, then they could start, which would be fantastic for us in Croatia and for Europe and the region.
The EU should actually work on launching dozens of similar plants that would produce vaccines on technologies already available and accepted in Europe. Let’s face it, this is a big challenge, but without ambition and challenge there can be no success. I’m personally very glad that JGL’s leadership has such ambitions, no matter how things develop in the future. By adopting new technologies, they’re given the opportunity to be involved in the production and development of other vaccines and biological drugs. Just how important such things would be for Rijeka and the region goes without saying,” Jonjic concluded when discussing the prospects of the potential Rijeka coronavirus vaccination centre.
For more on coronavirus information specific to Croatia, including travel and border rules and testing centres, bookmark this page.
