Business Wars Vaccine Wars | This is Not a Drill | 1
Apr 19, 2021
In early January 2020, a mysterious virus erupts in Wuhan, prompting scientists to urgently develop a vaccine. Biotech companies face immense pressure as they race against time amidst a global health crisis. Early responses reveal the complexities of virus identification and the challenges ahead. With the World Health Organization declaring a global emergency, researchers adapt their strategies rapidly, showcasing a fierce competition within the pharmaceutical industry. It's a gripping narrative of innovation, urgency, and the fight for public health.
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The Wuhan Delivery
- A mysterious illness in Wuhan, China, prompted a motorbike courier to deliver a sample to virologist Zhang Yongzhen.
- Zhang's team decoded the virus's genome, revealing a novel coronavirus linked to SARS.
Genome Goes Public
- Zhang Yongzhen debated releasing the virus genome due to government restrictions.
- Ultimately, he shared it with Edward Holmes, who published it, kickstarting the vaccine race.
A Timely Coincidence
- Dr. Dan Baruch at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center received the coronavirus genome.
- Coincidentally, his team had already chosen the coronavirus for a vaccine development exercise.