TURKOVAC

Prof Dr. Aykut Ozdarendeli and his coworkers from Erciyes University confirmed the Covid-19 virus on March 25, 2020, and performed the genetic analyses of the virus on April 2020 within the scope of TURKOVAC vaccine studies. The vaccine project has been supported by TUSEB starting from June 1, 2020. As a part of the vaccine development studies, the animal testing experiments were started in August 2020 and the efficiency of the product has been proven by preclinical trials in October 2020.

Within the scope of clinical studies of the vaccine, Phase I studies was started with 44 healthy volunteers on October 4, 2020, and Phase II studies were started with 250 healthy volunteers on February 10, 2021. Phase III studies were started on 22 June 2021. In addition to providing financial support to projects, TUSEB also played an active role in the coordination of clinical stages and continues its activities.  

TURKOVAC, Turkey's first domestic Covid-19 Vaccine, is the most advanced vaccine that can be used in widespread immunization among the vaccines developed in our country. In the Phase III study, candidates apply through E-Nabiz and artificial intelligence-based applications, which are used to determine suitable volunteers. Vaccination will be applied to 40,800 volunteers among the applications exceeding 980,000. This process is carried out in full coordination with all units of the Ministry of Health. The overseas leg of Phase III studies will be held in countries such as Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Poland, Malaysia, and Argentina. To volunteer in TURKOVAC Phase III clinical trials, the first domestic Covid-19 vaccine, the following criteria must be met:

• Not having had Covid-19,
• Not being PCR positive,
• Not having had the Covid-19 vaccine yet,
• Not having a positive CT test and/or antibody,
• Not to be younger than 18 and/or older than 55,
• Not have a chronic disease related to the immune system.