RIYADH — The Dammam-based Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University has started the first phase of clinical trials to produce the coronavirus vaccine, and this is with the support of the Ministry of Education. The university has completed the laboratory tests that have proven effective. This step reflects the contribution of Saudi universities and their integration with the national efforts aimed at reaching the first Saudi anti-coronavirus vaccine. The university has signed a contract with one of the largest specialized companies in the United Kingdom and Sweden, which is distinguished by the production of vaccines in large quantities in the world. It had previously worked with leading companies in the production of vaccines and medicines such as AstraZeneca, with the aim of preparing appropriate quantities for use in the first phase of clinical trials. The contract includes the fermentation phase, risk assessment, safety and quality of the plasmid material, as well as the production of the first batch of the vaccine in accordance with international standards and practices for production, and the requirements of international food and drug authorities. The university has also signed a contract with one of the centers specialized in conducting clinical trials, in order to work with the research team at the university in the processes of preparing and supervising the protocol of the clinical phase, providing volunteers to participate in clinical studies, and conducting all tests to assess the immunity required by the vaccine for them. There are also provisions in the contract to obtain the necessary approvals from specialized food and drug authorities, and participation with the team in preparing the project's progress and final reports, whether statistical or descriptive. The university had cooperated with an office specialized in documenting and registering intellectual property rights for the project. The research team at the Institute of Medical Research and Consulting at the university, led by Dr. Iman Al-Mansour, continues its efforts to complete its scientific journey in producing the vaccine on a time bound basis, using pDNA vaccine technology.
