Hassan biochemist in COVID-19 vaccine team

Team Udayavani, Mar 17, 2020, 11:16 AM IST

Arkalgud: Mahadesh Prasad, a native from Arkalgud town, is one of the scientists in the team constituted by the World Health Organisation to create a vaccine for COVID-19.

Prasad has an MSc in Biochemistry from Mysore University and is presently working at the Rega Institute of Virology and Chemotherapy in Leuven University at Belgium.

He was recommended to the team by Linkoping University’s chancellor.

Prasad’s parents live in Mysuru and are elated by the news that their son will be conducting research to find a vaccine for COVID-19.

Prasad’s brother Komal too is a scientist working in Finland.

Prasad posted the following on Facebook after receiving many congratulatory messages:

“I am overwhelmed by the response, we are a team of 10, working on a transgenic dual-target vaccine candidate for Covid-19 for the last two months.

So far, we have obtained excellent results on different platforms. Still, a lot of experiments and trials need to be done to prove its safety. We will have a good picture in six months.

Currently, there are no efficient vaccines available for the treatment of Covid-19. However, there are many efficient antivirals to treat people. Parallel to our vaccine research, another 10 members are working on screening 15,000 drug molecules for repurposing.

Please take precautions by isolating yourself (social distancing) if you have any symptoms. The risk population is elders (60+ years) with medical issues such as blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and low immunity. Don’t rush to hospital, if you have cough or fever, first call helpline number and take necessary precautions.”