Page 166 - 2022 Taiwan Health and Welfare Report

1. Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic
(1) The MOHW developed rapid testing methods of SARS-CoV-2 variant, sequencing analyses of new variants worldwide, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, Theta, Epsilon, Mu, and Omicron. Furthermore, carried out real-time monitoring of the virus genetic changes of CoV-2, providing genetic sequencing of viruses as the evidence of contact tracing for sources of infection.
(2) The development of portable testing methods and technical transfer were accomplished, and approved by the TFDA to manufacturing COVID-19 test reagents.
(3) The designated inspection network of severe pneumonia with novel pathogens was established, 249 designated inspection institutions and expand manpower, and equipment were fulfilled. The maximum daily capacity reaches over 150,000, which effectively upgraded the inspection capacity of SARS-CoV-2.
(4) In line with the Opening of COVID-19 vaccination, Taiwan V-Watch on the Taiwan CDC's LINE@ chatbot platform was established, people scan the QR codes and register for V-Watch after vaccination. Analysis feedback information was provided for all brands of COVID-19 vaccines, so people can understand the usual partial or whole body discomfort after vaccination.
(5) Stable R&D Task Force and Technical Support Platform Operations
A. President Liang Kun-yee led the R&D task team to continue inspecting the domestic and international pandemic prevention experience, and provided foresighted thinking on applying technology to epidemic prevention for the government policy making.
B. Supportive platform for developing SARS-CoV-2 screening and analytics techniques: Matching was conducted to provide companies with technical support for their preclinical testing, thereby creating a mechanism for specimen applications.
C. COVID-19 Research Network and Database: Blood specimens were offered for epidemic prevention R&D. TFDA used the sources to manufacture national standard SARS-Cov-2 naturalizing antibody, provided domestic laboratories or vaccine companies to conduct internal standard adjustment or different SARS-Cov-2 inspection methods. 2 domestic companies adopted this database to successfully develop antibody inspection set, and obtained the project permit of pandemic prevention manufacturing in Taiwan.
(6) Establishing the Technical Platform of Nucleic Acid Vaccine
A. The clinical toxicology tests for DNA vaccines have being conducted. Will continue to promote it until the 1st stage of the clinical test.
B. The carrier structures of mRNA vaccines have been completed, and conducting quantitative and qualitative analytical methods, development of solid lipid ingredients.
(7) Implementing the Clinical Trial Development Plan
The MOHW actively helped with domestic and international clinical trials for COVID-19 medicines and vaccines. The indicative cases successfully obtained the EUA from TFDA, to protect the health of citizens.
(8) Drug Development:
A. The lead compounds of 3CL protease inhibitor were selected, which restrain SARS-CoV-2 viruses from replicating. Conducted the structural embellishment of compound derivatives to optimize testing evaluations of pharmacology. Furthermore, developed a new medicine to lower the cytokine storms of SARS- CoV-2. Animal models have shown that the medicine reducing inflammation in the lungs. Related analyses are still being done. Two studies will produce new drug candidates.
B. Continued to optimize "NRICM101". Through clinical evidence, it can reduce the death rate of severe and very severe
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