The Abu Dhabi Lab Leading the Race for the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Region
VPS Healthcare, a laboratory at the heart of Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, is collaborating with California-based Ensysce Biosciences and scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute on a pancreatitis medication as a potential remedy to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Here at this facility, hundreds flock to get tested for the novel virus. Researchers hope that their results will help limit the spread of the pandemic.
“This situation has changed the healthcare landscape forever, and for the better,” said Dr. Martine Mcmanus, head of pathology and laboratory services at VPS Healthcare, told The National.
Dr. Mcmanus believes that the separating boundary between the public and private healthcare sectors no longer exists and that research facilities all over the world, regardless of affiliation, are united in their effort to limit the threat of the coronavirus.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for healthcare in the UAE and I think the effects will outlast the coronavirus pandemic.” She continued.
Nafamostat, a pancreatitis drug used in the treatment of acute pancreatic inflammation, has shown promise to be a viable candidate for a COVID-19 vaccine.
This is not the first time VPS Healthcare broke news this week; on Wednesday, the Abu Dhabi facility announced it will be donating hygiene and health products worth a million dirhams to the Ministry of Education.
The itinerary included wipes, face masks, vitamin tablets, gloves, and other disinfection products, which was highly appreciated by government officials since the demand for these products was high in the market.
VPS Healthcare has also promised to build an additional manufacturing plant in the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) to expedite the production of hygiene products.
