A Thai start-up is developing a Covid vaccine with tobacco leaves.

• Baiya Phytopharm aims to create Thailand's first plant-based Covid vaccine.
• The start-up completed phase one human trials of the shot in December.
• Baiya states that it is premature to determine the effectiveness of the vaccines, but the objective is to utilize them as a reference point.

Baiya Phytopharm aims to create Thailand's first plant-based Covid vaccine.

An Australian tobacco plant leaf-based vaccine is being developed by the start-up founded in 2018 by Dr. Suthira Taychakhoonavudh and Dr. Waranyoo Phoolcharoen.

Suthira, a 37-year-old lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, shared with CNBC's "Managing Asia" that her team of scientists aims to "make a difference" in transforming Thailand from a vaccine importer to a vaccine manufacturer.

The first Thai company to enter the university's CU Innovation Hub is Baiya, which aims to develop technology for manufacturing recombinant proteins that can produce medicines and vaccines.

The start-up, which is three years old, has received funding from grants from the Chulalongkorn University Alumni and the Thai government, as well as $3 million from a crowdfunding campaign.

Baiya's plant-based Covid vaccine completed phase one human trials in December last year, though no other plant-based Covid vaccines exist.

Suthira stated that all volunteers are safe and their safety profile is satisfactory.

She stated that it is premature to determine the effectiveness rate, but the objective is to utilize existing vaccines as a reference point.

The pharmaceutical company anticipates beginning phase two trials in February and phase three trials in June. It aims to submit vaccine data to the Thai Food and Drug Administration for approval by the end of the year.

If the vaccine is approved, the company can rapidly boost its production capability.

Suthira stated that our facilities are capable of producing approximately five million doses of vaccines monthly, which equates to roughly 60 million doses annually.

She stated that the same production facilities can produce vaccines not only for Thailand but also for the region.

Baiya aims to showcase Thailand's ability to create new vaccines and drugs to address its own health problems, as the company is currently utilizing the same tobacco plant to develop anti-cancer drugs and anti-aging treatments.

Despite being a start-up, Baiya is not yet profitable, but Suthira stated that the objective is not to prioritize profits, but to establish a reputable research industry in Thailand that will attract future talent.

Suthira stated that our goal is to create pharmaceutical products that are affordable not only for Thai individuals but also for those who have limited access to medication.