The State Scientific Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" has begun to create biologically safe mice sensitive to the new coronavirus infection.

      “The work is being carried out based on the world experience in creating SARS and MERS model mice. The new model mice will have symptoms similar to the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in humans,” - the report said.

      Such mouse models will make the study of vaccines and drugs against the coronavirus infection possible.

      “The main difference between the new model and those already existing in the world will be its biological safety - mice will become sensitive to the virus only after induction in a virological laboratory, which will eliminate the risks of working with them in nurseries and non-specialized laboratories during the pandemic”, - the agency specified.