ISLAMABAD: Phase three trials for a coronavirus vaccine, developed by a Chinese company, have been launched in Pakistan.
“A total of 40,000 people will participate in this trial in seven countries, of which 8,000 to 10, 000 will be Pakistani. Initial results are expected in four to six months,” wrote Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar in a tweet on Tuesday.
In a media briefing, Special Adviser to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan said that within 4 to 5 weeks Pakistan would vaccinate 10,000 people.
“I congratulate our team for bringing trials to this stage. Becoming part of clinical trials improves health system. Seven vaccines are in the process of phase three trials and three out of them are Chinese. First their trials were conducted on animals,” he said.
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He said 500 people were treated with the phase two trials of vaccine ‘CanSino’ in China.
Executive Director of National Institute of Health (NIH) Brig Dr Aamer Ikram said second trial of the vaccine was successful. The vaccine had already been approved to the Chinese army and police, which meant its safety was ensured, he added.
The executive director NIH said the basis of the vaccine was on human factor.
