The news from the USA caught Dr. Tal Zacks by surprise.
The man in charge of developing the modern company's corona vaccine did not expect the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the third injection, the booster injection.
"I was surprised," he says.
"But in my opinion the refusal stemmed from the way they posed the question. It is a fact that the decision to give a third dose to adults over the age of 65 and people at risk was made unanimously. I think it is only a matter of time before they recommend a broader vaccine."
Are you still convinced that the third vaccine is effective?
"Yes, the data from the country are clear and show high immunity."
A few months ago, after the company where he served as medical director developed a revolutionary vaccine for the corona virus, and turned from an anonymous start-up into a huge pharmaceutical company worth $ 185 billion today, Zacks decided to leave and look for a new challenge.
"My role in modernity began to change in early 2020, when I enlisted in the battle against the Corona," Zacks said in an interview from his home in Newton, near Boston.
"I learned the importance of dealing with the public and the press, but what motivates me is the scientific endeavor, so for me the separation is natural. In the end, there is a sense that the great war is coming to an end."
Vaccine for modern corona, Photo: Reuters
what are you going to do?
"One of the things I was looking for was to try to contribute more to the Israeli ecosystem in everything related to biotechnology, so I was happy when I was offered a place on the board of Teva."
The race to develop the vaccine for Corona was a madhouse?
"Not a madhouse, but a super-challenger. I am a military graduate. I started in combat engineering, then moved on to become a paramedic and instructor for medics and doctors at BAD 10. All my life I refrained from using military analogies, and last year I first found myself using words like 'enlist in the mission.'
The way they work day and night, and there is a Knesset, a command, and this is actually a war of people who have never seen an army or a war. "
Corona vaccine // Photo: AP,
When did you feel you could crack the virus?
"In May 2020, when we saw the data of the first stage. The absolute victory, or the decisive battle, was in the third stage, when the results came. Pfizer's first, and ours a week later."
Did you feel in the race against Pfizer, who will first announce "I developed"?
"No. I said, 'I only have two competitors - the virus and the clock, and I wish everyone else would win.'"
He said, "The way the vaccines were given in Israel has become an example to the whole world. The way in which Israel enlisted for the mission is an understanding of the danger and the ability to enlist."
You will see how much they debated in Israel about returning to schools.
"It's a difficult consideration. I see in my nephews - some at home, some went to school. We all want them to be back in class, but it has to be done carefully."
