Coronavirus crisis, novel cancer therapy discussed at Bio-Asia 2020 summit

The Annual Bio-Asia Summit took place in Hyderabad with the who's who of the industry in attendance. CNBC-TV18’s Archana Shukla gives an in-depth analysis of the big headlines.

Addressing the event, Peter Piot, Director at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who co-discovered the Ebola virus, said the world is better prepared for coronavirus now. Countries need to rethink travel ban as a measure to stop disease spread as it has never stopped an epidemic, he added.

Gagandeep Kang, head of Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, said the government's department of biotechnology is investing in developing vaccines for emerging diseases and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has already started testing four vaccines for the novel coronavirus.

Innovative cancer treatments were also highlighted at Bio-Asia 2020. Dr Carl June, who has pioneered the world's first gene-based cancer and HIV therapy - CAR T-Cell therapy, currently being used for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, spoke about the need for more investments in clinical trials.