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As countries around the world intensify the race to develop an effective vaccine against COVID-19, a Chinese pharmaceutical company has verified the safety of its potential vaccine after phase 2 clinical trials. According to a Chinese newspaper, Sinovac Biotech Ltd has taken another step toward trial production of the vaccine, expected in July, and emergency use.
Sinovac Biotech, the first company in the world to market the H1N1 flu vaccine, is one of two developers of COVID-19 inactivated vaccines that has received approval for clinical trials in China. Last week, the company published the preclinical animal study for its candidate vaccine against COVID-19.
In April, the firm received approval to conduct a phase I and phase II study of its inactivated vaccine candidate against COVID-19 in China. The pharmaceutical company had started the phase I trial and administered the drug to 144 healthy adults ages 18 to 59.
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Sinovac CEO Weidong Yin said in a statement that the vaccine candidate induced specific neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in mice, rats and non-human primates, specifically the rhesus macaque. The results showed that the vaccine candidate offered complete and safe protection in rhesus macaques against SARS-CoV-2 strains, he added.
“As we begin our phase I tests, we will also accelerate the progress of our research to support the global fight against COVID-19. Sinovac remains committed to the development of vaccines for global use, “said Yin.
Read: Americans Divided by COVID-19 Vaccine; Only 55% sure to accept it
‘Significant alteration’
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that people around the world may face “significant disruption” in their lives until there is an effective vaccine. Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies program, said during a press conference that there is a way out, but emphasized the need to remain “always vigilant.”
“And we may have to have a significant alteration in our lifestyle until we get to the point where we have an effective vaccine or effective treatment,” added Dr. Ryan.
Read: WHO warns of ‘significant changes’ in lifestyles until COVID-19 vaccine is found
(Representative image: AP)
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