Scientists around the world have been working relentlessly to develop a vaccine to fight against the spread of COVID-19. There may be good news on the horizon, a local pharmaceutical company has been contracted to help fight against the coronavirus, COVID-19.

Earlier this month a local research and manufacturing company, Albany Molecular Research, Inc., announced that they have signed an agreement with a company out of Albuquerque, New Mexico (AstraZeneca) to assist in the manufacturing of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate called AZD1222.

Jonathan Schumaker, a spokesperson for Albany Molecular Research, Inc. announced the agreement. He said, “Our core mission is to provide life-sustaining medications and help improve the quality of life. Our work to support AstraZeneca in their pursuit of a vaccine for COVID-19, one of the most significant health events in our lifetime, aligns directly with that purpose.”

Albany Molecular Research, Inc. will work to sterilize the drug product and then fill drug containers that they will also be sterilizing. Government officials have been giving various timelines for approval for the COVID19 vaccine.

Most scientists project the middle of next year for approval, however, Donald Trump says that the vaccine may be on the market by election day. Government officials are seeking volunteers to test out the new vaccine now. They are specifically asking for people of color to volunteer for testing of the potential vaccine.

Officials claim that they need more people of color to volunteer for the drug trials because we are more likely to be affected by the disease than Caucasian people. It is great news that an Albany company may be participating in the manufacturing of the new vaccine. What are your thoughts, will you volunteer for the vaccine tests?

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