British scientist Sarah Gilbert, who co-developed the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, has said she is not optimistic about the same vaccine for different coronavirus variants.
“The vaccine that we have started to develop works on specific spike proteins. It helps in making antibodies that can block the virus. There is no way to prevent the virus from entering,” she said at a session on the second day of the Dhaka Lit Fest at the Bangla Academy's Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad auditorium on Friday.
“Spike protein changes in different variants. To develop the same vaccine for all variants, we may have to go to the root of the virus. It seems impossible to me. I think priority should be given to mass vaccination at the moment,” said the scientist.
Sarah Gilbert Bangla TribuneHighlighting her own research experience, Gilbert said: “I want others to benefit from my career advice. When I wanted to start research early in my career, I couldn't find anyone to fund me to do research independently. There was a reason for this. Even after my PhD, I didn't have the experience of working under anyone for a long time. So I had to raise my own funding.”
“So I will say success can come slowly. But that doesn't mean the journey can't be enjoyed,” added the British professor.
“Pointing out the many differences between the past and the present, Gilbert further said: 'Earlier there were no test kits; now there are. Test time has also decreased. We now get a lot of time to think and analyze. Earlier, a lot of time would be spent only on tests,” she added.
At that time, urging policymakers, the moderator, scientist Senjuti Saha, said the customs system should be simplified for the materials used in the research work for the researchers.
Prof Haseena Khan of Dhaka University and researcher Prof Yasmin Haque also participated in the discussion.
