Scientists gave the drug dose to Rodents and took the antibodies they produced
These antibodies were able to kill the infection in the cells in a lab
CEO of Takis Biotech said he expects the same results in humans
Italian researchers claim to have 'the first vaccine in the world' that kills the coronavirus and are now planning human trials
Italian researchers have revealed plans to test a vaccine on humans after claiming their jab is the 'first in the world' to neutralise the virus.
Scientists gave mice the jab - which is being developed by Rome-based Takis Biotech - and took the antibodies they made in response.
Antibodies are substances produced by the immune system to remember how to fight off a specific infection, and are vital for immunity.
Preliminary results from lab tests showed the antibodies created in test mice were able to stop human cells being infected with the coronavirus.
Takis chief executive Luigi Aurisicchio revealed the Italian team plans to start trials in the autumn, as scientists race to halt the pandemic.
He said: 'As far as we know we are the first in the world so far to have demonstrated a neutralisation of the coronavirus by a vaccine.'
But leading scientists today said they would be amazed if none of the other vaccines in development hadn't shown a similar response in mice.
Oxford University is one of several teams around the world already trailling a jab on humans - and plans to have millions of doses ready by September.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today, however, that there is no guarantee an antidote for the coronavirus will ever be found.
