Covid-19, the vaccine is already being tested on humans but it will not be available for another year: the Neapolitan oncologist and researcher Paolo Ascierto said this in an interview with iNews24.
“Tocilizumab, like all the drugs that are currently trying to limit the famous cytokine storm, are important in the treatment of the complication of Covid-19. The vaccine is obviously the most important aid, we certainly won't have it before a year, because there are a whole series of steps to take”. This is what the oncologist and researcher, Paolo Ascierto, said, speaking about the therapeutic protocol developed together with his team at the Pascale in Naples that is having excellent results abroad too. But he reiterates that the turning point will be in the vaccine: “There are 30 companies – as stated by the WHO – that are experimenting with vaccines. Some of these are already on humans, for many others it is necessary to do tests on animals, verify that the antibodies neutralize the virus and do not make it worse, that there are no side effects. Finally, there are 3 phases of trials on humans that take time”, he said.
The impression is that this phase 2 has been taken too lightly. It is true that Italians have behaved more or less well so far, but is it right to rely on their common sense, now, a few kilometers from the finish line? "At this moment, phase 2 is dictated more by needs of another nature, such as economic ones, and not by real possibilities of reopening. The numbers are going in the right direction, but we cannot say that the danger has passed. The virus is still circulating and by reopening many activities, the risk of a second wave is still very high". Then, regarding the rules to be respected, he says: "At this moment, the rules must be those of common sense. First of all, there is no break in ranks: it must be clear to everyone. There are things that must restart for the economy, but if we do not need to go out, we must stay at home. Where there is a need to go out, we must consider always having a mask with us, it must become a constant protection for us. Physical distancing is another useful remedy, washing your hands often, using disinfectants, everything we have done so far. If the numbers have decreased it is essentially due to the lockdown”. Doctor Paolo Ascierto concludes with a further appeal: “There is no break ranks. The virus is still among us, the possibility of a second wave is real and high. If you do not need to go out, stay home”.
Article published on May 5, 2020 - 16:08 pm
