Human trials of second local vaccine to start next month

Volunteers seek advice from medical staff before enrolling in the first phase of clinical trials of Covivac vaccine at the Ha Noi Medical University, January 21, 2021

The vaccine has been developed by the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC), using IVAC derived from the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) LaSota strain handed over by the U.S. back in May last year, routinely used as a live vaccine globally.

The NDV in general is a virus that causes a deadly infection in many kinds of birds and flu-like symptoms in humans.

IVAC began recruiting 120 volunteers for the phase one trial on Thursday at the Ha Noi Medical University. The volunteers will be divided into five groups to be given five different doses with an interval of 28 days.

Covivac had been tested on animals, including mice and rabbits, with the results showing that the vaccine has successfully created a high level of immunity among animals.

Human trials of the first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine, Nanocovax began on December 17 with 60 volunteers signing up for the first phase.

Viet Nam currently has two other COVID-19 vaccines under development by local vaccine producers namely Vaccine and Biological Production No. 1 Compaby (Vabiotech) and the Center for Research and Production of Vaccines and Biologicals (Polivac).

By Kim Loan