Fourth potential coronavirus vaccine starts clinical trials in China as officials aim to roll out first doses in autumn
- The testing for the new vaccine candidate has started today in Henan province
- Three other potential vaccinations entered their phase two clinical trials in China
- Comes as health chief says China could have its first vaccine ready by autumn
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
China has permitted its fourth potential coronavirus vaccine to launch clinical trials as scientists around the globe race to find a cure for the disease.
The testing for the new vaccine candidate has started today, a spokesperson from the China National Biotec Group told the press.
Three other potential vaccines developed by Chinese researchers have entered their phase two clinical trials, according to reports.
The announcement comes as Beijing’s health official has claimed that China could have its first vaccination ready by September.
The testing for the new vaccine candidate has started today, a spokesperson from China National Biotec Group said. The picture shows a medic preparing COVID-19 treatment
China has permitted its fourth potential vaccine to launch clinical trials as scientists around the globe race to find a cure for the coronavirus. A researcher wearing a protective suit works on coronavirus samples at a laboratory in Guangzhou on April 18
The biopharmaceutical company recruited 32 volunteers to enter its phase-one trial for the inactivated vaccine today after being granted permission by the state’s drug administration on Monday. The tests will be conducted in the Henan province of central China.
The new vaccine candidate was developed by the Beijing branch of China National Biotec Group. The firm’s Wuhan lab, which created the institute’s first inactivated vaccination for the coronavirus, has been conducting trials since April 13.
The company said that its newly-built factory will be able to produce 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccine once they are proven successful.
In mid-March, China announced its first possible coronavirus vaccine developed by the country’s top military bio-warfare expert.
The Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine was successfully created following over a month of research, including the study of the vaccines for Ebola.
The biopharmaceutical company recruited 32 volunteers to enter its phase one trial for the inactivated vaccine today after being granted permission by the state’s drug administration on Monday. A researcher is seen working on samples at a laboratory in Guangzhou on April 18
‘Vaccine is the strongest scientific weapon to end the coronavirus,’ Chen Wei, the lead researcher told state broadcaster CCTV.
‘If China is the first country to invent such weapons and have our own patents, it shows the progress of our science and the image of a giant country,’ Chen added.
Researchers from Sinovac Biotech, a Beijing-based private company, also started testing their COVID-19 vaccine candidate on April 16.
It comes as a Chinese official has claimed that the country’s first coronavirus vaccine could be ready in less than five months.
Dr Gao Fu, director-general of China’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, said that China expects to have a successful vaccine candidate for the deadly disease by September.
The health chief added that the vaccine would be used for emergencies, such as a new wave of the virus outbreak.
Dr Gao told state broadcaster CGTN on Thursday: ‘To develop a vaccine or specific drug, it always takes time.
‘Because the vaccine will be used on healthy people, you wanna make sure the vaccine you’re developing is safe and efficient.’
The virologist also said that China is leading the world’s efforts to develop vaccines for the contagion.
The virologist Dr Gao Fu said that China is leading the world’s efforts to develop vaccines for the contagion. The picture shows a volunteer holding a potential vaccine in China
‘Maybe by September, we might have a vaccine to be used for emergencies. For example, if we have some emergency outbreak again.’
Dr Gao added that the ’emergency vaccine’, which would be in its second or third phase of clinical trials, could be used on medical workers before the general population.
‘In my opinion, maybe we will get a vaccine for healthy people early next year,’ the Chinese official stated.
Health experts have suggested that the coronavirus is mutating at a slower rate than several other respiratory viruses, particularly the flu.
The killer bug has already mutated close to 10 times, leading many to fear an even deadlier strain is around the corner.
But scientists say the mutations do not vary much from the virus that originated in Wuhan, China, nor are they more severe.
This means once a vaccine is readily available, it would protect people against both the original virus and mutations – and for several years.
Coronavirus will stay with humans ‘for a long time’, expert warns
The coronavirus that is ravaging over 210 countries worldwide could stay with humans ‘for a long time’, a Chinese official has suggested.
The virus will likely become a seasonal disease as asymptomatic patients are difficult to trace and contain, said Jin Qi, a director from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
‘The coronavirus, unlike SARS, is very likely to exist with humans for a long time as a seasonal disease,’ Jin asserted during a press conference in Beijing yesterday.
His startling warning was echoed by a chief doctor from the First Hospital of Peking University, Wang Guiqiang, who was also present at the meeting.
‘It is possible that a coronavirus outbreak would happen again in autumn and winter, at places with large crowds of people and limited fresh air,’ said Wang.
‘Therefore, it is very important to emphasise a globalised and integrated effort on preventing and controlling the virus,’ Wang concluded.
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