Yulia Latynina proposed “a very simple algorithm of actions”, which will “radically change the course of the epidemic”. As a miracle cure for coronavirus, a polio vaccine is proposed, which supposedly can strengthen the immune system so that the body can resist coronavirus.
An experiment in the 1970s, in which polio vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of seasonal flu, was cited as the main argument in favor.
Julia suggests taking advantage of “one of the few advantages of an authoritarian system over a democratic system” and starting mass trials of the vaccine with Russian doctors. Say, the scientist Mikhail Chumakov would have done so now, at one time convincing Mikoyan to vaccinate Soviet people against polio.
The assumption of the possible effectiveness of the polio vaccine in the prevention of COVID-19 was made by the scientist Konstantin Chumakov, the son of Mikhail Chumakov.
The idea is completely fresh (it was not understood in any scientific journal) and is not without meaning. The devil is in the details.
Firstly, it is categorically impossible to agree with the thesis that our research can be done faster than in the United States without sacrificing human security. Unfortunately, we simply do not have a team of specialists of this level who can conduct a high-quality randomized controlled trial (RCT). We are the best in the world who can make magnets for the large hadron collider, atomic reactors and rockets, but in the field of biotechnology – a scorched field. Over the past decades, we have not been able to bring any new medicine to the international market. We just do not have a culture of conducting clinical trials.
Secondly, it is not clear
why do you need to start with doctors? Given the insecurity of their commonplace masks and gloves!
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In the first step, the vaccine can be tested in laboratory animals. Probably, some species of monkeys are susceptible to both the new coronavirus and the polio virus (which means that a vaccine against it should work). They could be used to check whether polio vaccination prevents coronavirus infection.
If the protective effect of the vaccine is shown in monkeys, then the next group may be healthy people who were in close contact with patients with coronavirus. They can be tested “for the virus” daily and a vaccine can be given to those who have viral RNA in their blood (strictly within the framework of RCT). That is, those who are definitely sick, but so far without symptoms.
Another argument for using the vaccine could be a study without its use. It is enough to analyze how the coronavirus infection flows in those who were vaccinated against poliomyelitis and those who were not vaccinated. Such studies are now underway with the BCG vaccine (for severe tuberculosis). At the same time, none of the serious scientists calls for vaccinating BCG doctors now.
There are hundreds of different methods available today for treating coronavirus. In order to begin their testing in humans, very good reasons are required. But a lot of science is not done by calling the boss. We need a broad discussion of new ideas among specialists and a bet on the most powerful ideas.
I think that modern Mikhail Chumakov would do everything possible to provide doctors as soon as possible with personalized protective equipment that will save our lives. We all really wait for the boss to bark: “Provide doctors with respirators!”
The author thanks the expert on the development of new drugs, Ph.D. Ilya Yasnoy in covering the issue.
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