Tobacco-based potential Covid-19 vaccine ready for human trials

Team Udayavani, May 16, 2020, 10:09 AM IST

British American Tobacco said it was ready to test its potential Covid-19 vaccine using proteins from tobacco leaves on humans, after it generated a positive immune response in pre-clinical trials.

British American Tobacco (BAT), is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of cigarettes. It is said that the vaccine has been synthesized using proteins from tobacco leaves on humans.

In April the company said it is developing a Covid-19 vaccine from tobacco leaves and could produce 1 million to 3 million doses per week if it got the support of government agencies and the right manufacturers.

The company said once it gets approval from the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) for the vaccine, it would progress to Phase 1 trials or testing on humans.

Also, it has committed funds to conduct clinical trials, which it expects to start as early as late June, and invested in additional equipment to boost capacity.