China has greenlit clinical trials for its first vaccine targeting COVID-19, marking a significant advancement in the global fight against the pandemic. The announcement was made by China Central Television, stating that the approval was granted to a research team led by academician Chen Wei on March 16th.
Pre-Clinical Results Show Promise
According to the report, pre-clinical testing of the vaccine demonstrated both efficacy and safety. While specific details regarding the pre-clinical trials were not disclosed, the positive results paved the way for the initiation of human clinical trials. Chen Wei, a Major General in China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and an academician at the PLA Academy of Military Medical Sciences, specializes in biological and chemical protection.
Rapid Response to the Outbreak
Chen Wei and her research team were dispatched to Wuhan on January 26th, tasked with identifying the source of the novel coronavirus, studying the disease it causes, and developing effective treatment methods to combat the escalating epidemic. This rapid deployment underscores the urgency with which China has approached the COVID-19 outbreak.
Global Vaccine Development Efforts
The development of this vaccine is part of a broader global effort to combat COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that there are over 20 coronavirus vaccines in development worldwide. China itself is reportedly developing eight vaccines against COVID-19, with some already showing promising results in animal studies. The approval of clinical trials for Chen Wei's vaccine represents a crucial step forward in these efforts.
