State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR

The State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR of Rospotrebnadzor is a special science lab in Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia. It studies viruses and other tiny germs that can make people very sick. The lab has very safe buildings to keep dangerous germs locked away. It uses cameras, motion sensors, fences, and strong safety systems to protect everyone.

This lab is one of only two places in the world that kept the smallpox virus, a very dangerous sickness that doctors have stopped completely. Today, the Vector Institute helps the World Health Organization by studying a type of flu called H5N1 that can spread among birds and sometimes to people. This work is very important for getting ready if a big flu sickness happens somewhere in the world.

History

The State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR was started in 1974. It has studied viruses and helped with research on diseases like smallpox. The center also worked on projects in genetic engineering.

In recent years, the center has worked on many health projects. These include developing a vaccine for Hepatitis A, influenza vaccines, and vaccines for the Ebola virus. They also made medicines and tests to diagnose HIV and Hepatitis B. VECTOR is one of only two labs in the world allowed to keep the smallpox virus, which no longer exists.

COVID-19 vaccine development

Main article: EpiVacCorona

In March 2020, scientists at VECTOR began testing vaccine ideas for the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19. They planned to share the best one in June. The ideas were made, and testing on animals began.

In July 2020, research from the center showed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can be destroyed in room temperature water after 72 hours. This helped with studying the disease during the pandemic.

Tasks

The main work at VECTOR is to study very dangerous and important viruses. They learn how these viruses change and spread. They also get ready to diagnose these infections. In addition, they make new medicines to treat and prevent diseases. They also teach students and researchers about virology, molecular biology, and biotechnology.