[에디터 프리즘] Two faces of the vaccine

The spread of the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) to all parts of the world is unusual. Although winter, when the flu is epidemic-prone, has not arrived, there is already great concern for a third pandemic. In the United States, on the 10th (hereinafter, local time), the number of confirmed cases crown19 exceeded 200,000, the highest level ever recorded. Europe also suffers from muscle aches. In the past week, 54% of new Corona 19 cases and 47% of deaths worldwide were from Europe. In Korea, the number of confirmed patients per day is recorded in three digits per day. If so, the level of social distancing is inevitable.

Amid this desperation, the Corona 19 vaccine jointly developed by Pfizer of the United States and Bioentech of Germany emerged as hope. On the 11th, the results of a clinical trial came out according to which the prevention effect of Corona 19 is greater than 90%. It is double the effectiveness of the general flu vaccine (40-60%) and is equivalent to that of the measles vaccine (97%). It was also said that the price would be lower than the flu shot. The world rejoiced. Even though Pfizer’s chief executive sold many shares in the company he owned, he was pouring cold water.

The world is excited about the anticipation of the end of Corona 19, but there are still concerns. It is unclear whether Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will be safe. In particular, this vaccine must be stored at a temperature below -70 ° C due to its nature. This is only possible in a professional freezer in the laboratory. So in places where the temperature is high and the health infrastructure is scarce, such as in Africa and Southeast Asia, it can be a promising advisor. Of course, this is not the result originally predicted by Pfizer and Bioentech. These are just the characteristics of the vaccines they have produced.

However, according to Stuart Bloom, the author of The Two Face Vaccine, vaccines aren’t just historically good faces. The poorer the country, the poorer the health infrastructure and the greater the likelihood of disease outbreaks, but the chances of purchasing a vaccine are slimmer. Rich and developed countries have the technology and economic power to produce the vaccines they need, but they usually haven’t developed them unless they need them. Parasitic diseases are the leading cause of disease and death in tropical countries, but there are few vaccines associated with them.

Vaccines during the Cold War were also a tool for promoting the regime. Although times have changed, the competition is still the same. According to the pharmaceutical industry, 97 clinical trials related to the COVID-19 vaccine are currently underway worldwide (11 in phase 3). The United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and Germany are fighting. Notably, China and Russia developed the Corona 19 vaccine and initiated vaccination, but Western camps showed a cold response.

“Money” is also an important variable as vaccine development requires enormous costs and time. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an influenza pandemic in 2009 on the advice of an advisory committee. Vaccine orders continued in Europe and elsewhere and mass production began. By the time the vaccine was given, however, the number of patients was decreasing and the WHO said the flu epidemic had ended in the summer of 2010. However, most experts who advised WHO whether to declare a pandemic were consultants supported by pharmaceutical companies. Similar side effects are occurring with the increase in the number of high-tech biotech companies ready to receive venture capital investments, etc. In order to increase sales, it also promotes “fear” beyond what is necessary.

Is Corona 19 Vaccine Different? The entire global village is in panic, so it’s unlikely to be abused as a means of making money right away, even if it doesn’t induce humanity. There are so many eyes to see. However, discrimination in the order of vaccination will be inevitable. It is because there is much more demand than supply. Well, if that’s unfair, you can take over the vaccine development notice first. Or, even if it’s a little late, you need to create a safer and more effective vaccine.

Nam Seung-ryul Economic Industry Editor