Japan Leads the Charge in Finding Solutions to COVID-19

2020 has been one unpleasant surprise after another, with practically every roadmap being derailed. In spite - or perhaps because - of this, innovation is thriving. The entire world is dealing with a crisis previously unknown in our lifetime, but 2020 promises to be replete with technological innovations that have a massive positive impact on our lives, especially in the area of medicine.

COVID-19 vaccine

At the forefront of everyone’s mind is the COVID-19 vaccine. With the coronavirus wreaking havoc in all corners of the world, people are talking about and preparing for the “new normal”. In many locations, lockdowns are still in place, while some cities and countries are slowing lifting restrictions and opening up their economies. Amidst all of this chaos, there is one thing everyone wants and needs: a vaccine to ensure immunity from the extremely contagious virus.

The general consensus is that, once there is a vaccine, it will be easier to live life as we once did, albeit with a few key changes. The term “new normal” crops up once more. While certain habits developed during the pandemic will continue on, having a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus will ease people’s minds.

Developing a vaccine takes a lot of work and time, so scientists and researchers in both the public and private sectors are racing against time to create a serum that will provide protection from COVID-19. One of the leaders in this race is Japan, a nation practically synonymous with innovation. Early in the stages of the pandemic, the Japanese government was already working to find medical solutions for the virus, all the while dealing with the other practicalities of containing - and ultimately stopping - a pandemic.

A truly innovative solution is being presented by Japan biotech company AnGes, which specializes in genetic medicine. As early as March, the company has been working with Osaka University to produce a plasmid DNA vaccine. This vaccine has been completed for preclinical studies and has shown promise. Their DNA-based approach to creating a vaccine for COVID-19 is a novel and welcome one, especially since it allows mass production within a shorter period as compared to other types of immunization. They hope to gain government approval by the end of the year, with Japanese company Takara Bio Inc. tasked with the actual manufacturing of the vaccine.

COVID-19 treatment

While the spotlight is on the COVID-19 vaccine, a more immediate need is an effective mode of treatment for those already infected. Japan is also proactively working in this area.

Now pretty much a household name, antiviral Japanese drug Avigan (generic name favipiravir) is being tested around the world as a treatment for COVID-19. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has thrown full support into research and has poured funds into testing, which is expected to continue through June of this year.

Another Japanese company, Ono Pharmaceutical is testing its pancreatitis drug Camostat mesilate, which has shown anti-viral properties and promises to be a potential treatment for COVID-19. Camostat mesilate was developed back in the 1980s and has been shown to be effective in blocking the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV). In regards to COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2), tests have shown that Camostat mesilate is effective in stopping the virus from entering the lungs.

While testing for Japanese-made medication is ongoing, the government has not hesitated to open its arms to treatment from international sources. In early May, the health authorities approved the use of remdesivir - created by American company Gilead Sciences - for COVID-19 patients categorized as severely ill. This approval was fast-tracked, a testament to the commitment of the government to providing the care its citizens require.

Innovation in a post-COVID world

While treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19 are the focus at the moment, preparing for the future is also of paramount importance. Japan’s leading research institute, RIKEN, is already on it. Yuko Harayama, RIKEN’s director for international affairs, communication and diversity has shared her thoughts about the future.

“Today, when we look at the challenge of coronavirus, we have to find a way to rebuild. After the pandemic, we have to foresee a future where humans are not dominating everything; humans are just one part of nature. We should not be arrogant to say we’ll dominate coronavirus. We’ll be aiming to survive, under controlled conditions,” she said.

In order to survive this crisis and rebuild in its aftermath, collaboration amongst nations is necessary. Otherwise, humankind will be taking a step backward. It contributes to one’s peace of mind to know that a world leader is taking steps to solve immediate and future problems, but even more so to know that the brilliant minds of our time are looking to work together and share information to benefit everyone.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes