Researchers in China have confirmed that BBIBP-CorV, a vaccine currently under observation in human trials, has safely triggered the expected antibody immune responses.
The combined early and mid-stage trials of the vaccine were conducted between April 29 and July 30 of this year.
The Beijing Institute of Biological Products, a subsidiary of the China National Biotech Group (CNBG), is currently developing the vaccine. It is one of ten potential vaccine candidates that have entered phase III trials around the world. Chinese scientists are currently leading research in four such vaccine development programs, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.
According to a report by the Reuters news agency, an article published in the Lancet, a medical journal, has shown that the vaccine is initially safe. However, anticipated adverse effects such as mild fever and localized pain at injection sites were frequently observed in candidates.
The vaccine is currently in phase 3 trials in locations outside of China. Meanwhile, the government recently approved the vaccine on a conditional basis for emergency inoculation for essential workers and groups at high risk of infection in the country.
Almost 600 healthy people of different age groups participated in the study. When two injections of three different doses were given, the expected antibody reactions were triggered in all individuals, as published in the article.
Two key findings of the trial were mentioned in the study. Researchers at the CNBG and Chinese disease control authorities have said there is insufficient data to support the fact that the vaccine can clearly cure the coronavirus.
Furthermore, although the vaccine elicited antibody responses, observations on the cell-based immune response were not mentioned. Therefore, the scientists could not ensure the potency of the vaccine to fight the coronavirus.
Participants aged 60 and over were also found to be slower to develop and multiply antibody responses than people in younger age groups.
Another CNBG subsidiary is in the process of developing a similar vaccine, which is also in the testing phase 3. A CNBG official has mentioned that both vaccines could be approved for emergency use among the general public in China before the end of year.
(With input from Reuters)
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