Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Monday that he had “witnessed a ‘significant breakthrough’ by Israel’s defense biological research institute’ in developing a COVID-19 antibody” reported The Times of Israel. Bennett had visited the research institute, a “secretive unit that works under the Prime Minister’s Office” and was shown, first hand, the “antibody that attacks the virus in a monoclonal way and can neutralize it within the bodies of those ill” according to a statement from the Minister’s office.
“I am proud of the institute staff for this terrific breakthrough…their creativity and the Jewish mind brought about this amazing achievement” The statement read. Although it was not specified if human trials had been conducted, it did say the development of the antibody was complete. The next step is “researchers will approach international companies to produce the antibody on a commercial scale” as well as the Institute patenting its findings.
Times of Israel notes there are roughly 100 research groups globally seeking a vaccination with “nearly a dozen” in or near the human trial stage. U.S. government physician and immunologist who was appointed director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 1984, Dr. Anthony Fauci, is cautious about a speedy rollout. Dr. Fauci has alerted that developing a vaccine in 12 to 18 months would “set a record for speed.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke on the issue Monday saying, “like all countries, Israel is now trying to find the right balance between protecting the health of our citizens by preventing another spike in infections, and enabling the reopening of our economy.” Netanyahu also pledged $60 million at a virtual “international donors conference” raising funds for the “joint fight against the coronavirus pandemic” reported Times of Israel.
In his recorded message to the fundraising event, he also touted Israel’s capabilities. “I am confident that Israel’s leading research institutions, its world-renowned scientists, and our unique culture of innovation can enable us to play an important role in advancing solutions on all three fronts.”
