State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR


The State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, also known as the Vector Institute, is a biological research center in Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia. It has research facilities and capabilities for all levels of Biological Hazard, CDC Levels 1–4. It is one of two official repositories for the now-eradicated smallpox virus, and was part of the system of laboratories known as the Biopreparat.
Recently the facility has been upgraded and secured using modern cameras, motion sensors, fences, and biohazard containment systems. Its relative seclusion makes security an easier task. Since its inception there has been an army regiment guarding the facility.
The facility has, at least in Soviet times, been a nexus for biological warfare research, though the nature of any ongoing research in this area is uncertain.

History

Organized in 1974, the center has a long history of virology, making impressive Soviet contribution to smallpox research. Genetic engineering projects included creation of viruses that manufacture toxins as well as research on bioregulators and various peptides that function in the nervous system.
In the post-soviet times the center made research and development cotributions in many projects like a vaccine for Hepatitis A, influenza vaccines, vaccines for the Ebola virus, antiviral drugs with nucleotide analogs, test-systems for diagnostics of HIV and Hepatitis B and other development.
In March 2020 it was reported that Russian scientists have begun to test vaccine prototypes for the new coronavirus disease, with the plan of presenting the most effective one in June, a laboratory chief at Vector Institute said. The prototypes have been created and the testing on animals began.

Tasks

The main tasks of the Center according to Vector:
In 2004 a researcher at VECTOR died after accidentally pricking herself with a needle contaminated with the Ebola virus.
Fifteen years later, on September 17, 2019, a gas explosion occurred at Vector. One worker suffered third-degree burns, and the blast blew out window panes. The lab has highly contagious forms of bird flu and strains of hepatitis. The explosion happened in a decontamination room that was being renovated by a contractor.