Italy says it has developed world's first COVID-19 vaccine
The researchers have reportedly managed to generate antibodies in mice that work on human cells.
A day after Israel claimed that it has achieved a 'significant breakthrough' in developing an antibody to the coronavirus and has applied for a patent, Italy has also said that it has developed a vaccine for the virus that works on humans, reports have said.
According to reports, the tests are being carried out at Rome's infectious-disease Spallanzani Hospital and the researchers have successfully managed to generate antibodies in mice that work on human cells.
Italy has been one of the most affected countries of the coronavirus. With 29,315 deaths, Italy's total number of cases has reached 2,13,013, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University.
On Tuesday, Israel's Defence Minister Naftali Bennett informed that country's Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) has made a "significant breakthrough" in developing an antibody to the novel coronavirus.
Scientists at the country's main biological research institute have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass-produce the potential treatment, reports said.
Bennett on Monday visited IIBR that has been mandated to develop a vaccine for coronavirus. He was shown the "antibody that attacks the virus in a monoclonal way and can neutralize it within the bodies of those ill", a statement from the defence minister's office said.