COVID-19 vaccine approved for clinical trial in China

Chinese researchers got approval for a clinical trial of a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.

The team is led by Chen Wei, a biotech academician at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and a Major General in the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

She has been in Wuhan since January 26, when the pandemic was a major concern in China only.

Her way to a vaccine is based on the experience from the creation of the Ebola vaccine.

The fast development was also supported by local commercial companies in Hubei.

In an exclusive interview with CCTV, Chen reassured the public that the development of the vaccine was in accordance with Chinese laws and international standards.

If the clinical trial turns out to be a success, mass production can be made real quick because Chen's team have laid a solid foundation.

More vaccines on the way

Not long after the COVID-19 outbreak, the sci-tech branch of China's Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism found five possible ways to produce a vaccine, which were done simultaneously.

According to Qin Chuan, researcher at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, a total of eight vaccine candidates have been sent to the academy for evaluation. Chen's product is one of the earliest to finish the process.

"Generally, vaccine development for COVID-19 in China is no slower than any other country," said Wang Junzhi, member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Source: CGTN