Development of vaccines and tests for SARS-CoV-2

6. Basic research is the cornerstone of all medical research

The production of vaccines in such a short space of time requires in-depth prior knowledge of countless molecules, substances and compounds. This is where basic research comes in. Basic research is not aimed at the development of a marketable product and remains open as to the results. Researchers are not looking for a specific property, but are interested in any effects. The substances studied provide the cornerstone for medical research. Of the countless substances that emerge from basic research, few make it to preclinical studies and clinical trials. Research on vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 thus began a long time before the virus was first reported. In the search for the right substance to combat the coronavirus, research teams fell back on substances investigated in the course of basic research. Every vaccine is based on tests with thousands of substances of which barely a few dozen were considered for the shortlist. This process is all part of preclinical testing.