Vektor Institute
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The State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology VEKTOR, known as the Vektor Institute, is a biological research establishment in Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia. It has research facilities and capabilities for all levels of Biological Hazard, CDC Levels 1–4. It is one of two official repositories for the now-eradicated smallpox virus, (the other is at CDC in the US) and was part of the system of laboratories known as the Biopreparat.
The Vektor Institute has been upgraded and secured using modern cameras, motion sensors, fences, and biohazard containment systems. Its relative seclusion makes security an easier task. Since its inception there has been an army regiment guarding the facility.[1]
History
Established in 1974, the Vektor Institute has a long history of virology, making impressive Soviet contribution to smallpox research.[2] Genetic engineering projects included creation of viruses that manufacture toxins as well as research on bioregulators and various peptides that function in the nervous system.
In the post-Soviet times the Vektor Institute did research and development in many projects like a vaccine for Hepatitis A, influenza vaccines, vaccines for the Ebola virus,[3] antiviral drugs with nucleotide analogs,[4] test-systems for diagnostics of HIV and Hepatitis B and other development.[5]
In March 2020 it was reported that Russian scientists had begun to test vaccine prototypes for the new coronavirus disease, with the plan of presenting the most effective one in June, a laboratory chief at the Vektor Institute said. The prototypes had been created and the testing on animals had begun.[6]
Tasks
The main tasks of the Vektor Institute are:
- Basic research of causative agents of especially dangerous and socially important viral infections, and their genetic variability and diversity, pathogenesis of viral infections.
- Ensuring constant readiness for implementing diagnostics of especially dangerous infectious agents.
- The development and introduction into healthty practice of diagnostic curative and preventive medicines.
- Post-graduate training, and scientific training of higher qualification in the field of Virology, molecular biology and biotechnology through graduate school and higher education.
Accidents
In 2004 a researcher at VEKTOR died after accidentally pricking herself with a needle contaminated with the Ebola virus.[7]
Fifteen years later, on 17 September 2019, a gas explosion occurred at VEKTOR. One worker suffered third-degree burns, and the blast blew out window panes. The lab has highly contagious forms of Bird flu and strains of hepatitis.[8]
One of the Russian coronavirus vaccine projects is being undertaken by the state-run Vektor Institute in Siberia, whose Director General, Rinat Maksyutov, said in May 2020 he hoped to complete clinical trials in mid-September.
Maksyutov said vaccine trials on animals had been successful.[9]
References
- ↑ "Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology"
- ↑ "Is Siberia a Safe Place for Smallpox?
- ↑ "Coronavirus updates"
- ↑ "State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology VEKTOR"
- ↑ "About The Centre"
- ↑ "Russia to test coronavirus vaccine prototype on animals"
- ↑ "Russian Scientist Dies in Ebola Accident at Former Weapons Lab"
- ↑ "Blast sparks fire at Russian laboratory housing smallpox virus"
- ↑ "Russia plans coronavirus vaccine clinical trials in two weeks: report"
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