China approves two experimental virus vaccines for clinical trials

BEIJING (REUTERS): As China fights to prevent a second wave of coronavirus, the country has approved early-stage human tests for two experimental vaccines in order to contain the outbreak of the disease.

The experimental vaccines are being developed by a Beijing-based unit of Nasdaq-listed Sinovac Biotech, and by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products, an affiliate of state-owned China National Pharmaceutical Group.

Earlier in March, China received the green-light for another clinical trial for a coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by military-backed China’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences and HK-listed biotech firm CanSino Bio. 

So far, coronavirus has claimed lives of more than 3,300 people across China and has affected more than 82,000 people, while 77,575 people have been recovered and were discharged from hospitals.

Earlier on Monday, the World Health Organization has asserted that a safe and effective vaccine would be needed to fully halt the spread of coronavirus.

In a press briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Our global connectedness means the risk of re-introduction and resurgence of COVID-19 will continue.”

“Ultimately, the development and delivery of a safe and effective vaccine will be needed to fully interrupt transmission,” he added.