China’s first candidate vaccine for the novel coronavirus may be put into additional trials in other countries seriously hit by the pandemic if the ongoing initial trial proves it is safe and effective, the top researcher for the vaccine said.
The first stage clinical trial for the vaccine was started in Wuhan on March 16 after authorities approved. It has been proceeding smoothly, and its results will be published in April, said Chen Wei, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Wuhan is the Chinese city that was hardest hit by COVID-19.
“If the initial results prove the vaccine is safe and produces (desired) effects, we will continue to test its effectiveness overseas through international cooperation if the global epidemic continues to spread,” she said.
In this way, the vaccine may be used in other hard-hit countries as soon as possible to bolster their efforts to control the pandemic, said Chen, also a researcher at the Academy of Military Sciences.
Many countries have shown interest in the candidate vaccine, and Chen said she and her team members are willing to cooperate with their international counterparts in the development of vaccines for the highly infectious disease.
“A vaccine may be the most effective solution to ending the global COVID-19 epidemic,” she said.
It is still unknown when the vaccine will gain approval for use, as it must be proved safe and effective first, Chen said, adding she is confident in its early availability for use.
Soure: China Daily