The world's first shot!

On May 1, the clinical study of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine against the Omicron variant developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products of Sinopharm Group China National Biotec Group was officially launched in Hangzhou, and the first dose was completed on the same day. This is the world's first inactivated COVID-19 vaccine against the Omicron variant to enter clinical trials.

Li Lanjuan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said in an interview that the Omicron virus still poses a serious threat to people's health, and the research and development of related vaccines is of great significance.

Li Lanjuan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering:

The development of a vaccine for the variant of Omicron is very important. Of course, the original vaccine is still effective, but after the development of a vaccine for the variant, it may have a better immune effect. This also proves China's speed and efficiency in fighting the epidemic. We believe that through rigorous clinical research, the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine can be further proven to ensure the application of the vaccine in the future.

On May 1, Li Lanjuan (center), an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, introduced the clinical research progress of the inactivated vaccine against the Omicron variant of the new coronavirus. Photo by Zhang Yuhuan, a reporter from China News Service

Regarding the clinical effectiveness of the new vaccine that has entered the clinical research stage and whether people who have already been vaccinated with the new crown vaccine can continue to be vaccinated, Li Lanjuan said that this needs to be further explored and verified through clinical reactions in stages.

Li Lanjuan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering:

It should be said that people who have not been vaccinated can of course get the vaccine. The next step is to conduct clinical trials on people who have already been vaccinated to verify whether it will be more effective. Because they may already have antibodies after having been vaccinated, it is necessary to apply it to people who have not been vaccinated and have not been infected with the new coronavirus to prove the immunogenicity and comprehensive antibody levels of the (newly developed) vaccine after taking it, to prove the effectiveness of the (new vaccine). At the same time, further observation of the clinical response of the (new vaccine) is also needed to prove the safety of the (new vaccine).

On May 1, medical staff were preparing for the injection. Photo by Zhang Yuhuan, a reporter from China News Service

A volunteer for the clinical trial said that he happened to see the recruitment activity and he had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. He wanted to enhance his immunity and make a contribution to society. He feels pretty good now.

On May 1, medical staff received the inactivated vaccine against the variant strain of the novel coronavirus, Omicron. Photo by Zhang Yuhuan, a reporter from China News Service

Li Lanjuan introduced that the research and development of the vaccine against the Omicron variant was launched on December 9, 2021, and obtained the clinical trial approval from the National Medical Products Administration on April 26, 2022. This clinical study will contribute the strength of clinical trial personnel to the prevention and control of the new coronavirus pneumonia epidemic.

Previously, regarding the vaccine development work for the Omicron variant, Zheng Zhongwei, head of the vaccine development task force of the scientific research team and director of the Science and Technology Development Center of the National Health Commission of China, said that the Chinese vaccine development team had already taken action since the Omicron variant appeared. "The basic principle we follow is 'it is better to be prepared and not use it than to use it without being prepared.'"

Source: China News Service (Reporter Li Chun)