Iran’s COVID-19 Vaccine Effective Against UK Virus Variant

By Staff, Agencies

The head of the production team of the Iranian coronavirus vaccine at the Headquarters for Executing the Order of Imam Khomeini says the vaccine, dubbed Coviran Barekat, works against the British variant of COVID-19.

“Coviran Barekat vaccine is effective against the British mutated virus,” Dr. Hassan Jalili told Tasnim news agency on Saturday.

“Tests show that the blood plasma of the people, who were jabbed with Coviran Barekat vaccine in a clinical trial, can completely neutralize the mutated British coronavirus.”

Coviran Barekat, the first domestically-developed COVID-19 vaccine in Iran, was named after the pharmaceutical group that developed it.

Iran launched human trials of the vaccine late last month after successfully completing the initial steps, including tests on animals, and obtaining necessary approvals.

In parallel with efforts at developing home-made vaccines, Iranian authorities have said the county has plans to purchase foreign brands that pass safety and efficiency tests.

However, inhumane US sanctions have affected Iran’s ability to make the payment for importing vaccines as well as life-saving medical equipment.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei has advised against imports of COVID-19 vaccines from the US and Britain amid fears that they might be trying to spread the disease, but the Iranian government can supply the vaccine from other reliable sources.