Two inactivated coronavirus vaccine candidates have recently received approval from the Chinese authorities to begin phase I and II clinical trials simultaneously.
The experimental vaccines are being developed by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products under the China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), and Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd, a company based in Beijing.
This latest progress comes after the recombinant novel coronavirus vaccine from a Chinese team led by China's military medical expert Chen Wei was greenlighted for clinical trials on March 17.
Vaccines are commonly regarded as the most powerful scientific tool in fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic. “China is leading the global research and development into vaccines against COVID-19,” explained Wang Junzhi, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, according to a report by Science and Technology Daily.
Wang attributed such rapid progress to early and scientific engagement with the work, utilising targeted directions and concerted efforts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has also repeatedly stressed the need to step-up the development of vaccines for COVID-19. The Central Guidance Group has decided to press the fast-forward button for the coronavirus vaccine development on the premise of safety.
On Jan. 21, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced it was forming a 14-member scientific research expert group headed by Dr Zhong Nanshan.
The group has identified five…
