Indiana University Associate Professor of Biology John Patton is modifying an existing vaccine that he hopes will become a vaccine for COVID-19.
Patton, and students in his lab are building on work they have done exploring the rotavirus. Rotavirus causes nausea and diarrhea in children, and its vaccine may work on coronavirus patients.
“Using genetic engineering technology to modify that vaccine,” Patton says.
Patton says he’s making viruses in his lab that will eventually become “vaccine candidates" for the coronavirus.
“Enlisting, whether it’s the government, or pharmaceutical companies or someone to help with the testing of these vaccine candidates,” Patton says.
If approved, it may take a year-and-a-half before the vaccine is approved and available on the market.
Patton says if his vaccine is approved, he’s hoping it will become part of the regular schedule of vaccines given to children.
