China has approved its first mRNA vaccine against Covid-19
The vaccine, developed by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd, has been approved for “emergency use” by Beijing’s health regulator.
China has approved its first locally developed messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine against Covid-19, its manufacturer announced Wednesday, months after strict Covid-zero regulations were relaxed, resulting in an increase in cases.
The vaccine, developed by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd, has been approved by Beijing’s health regulator for “emergency use,” the company said in a statement.
It demonstrated high efficacy in a trial in which it was used as a booster shot for people who had previously received other types of vaccines, according to the company, without providing further details.
mRNA vaccines are thought to be among the most effective in preventing serious infections and deaths.
mRNA uses snippets of genetic material that carry instructions showing the body’s cells how to produce a protein – in this case, the spike protein on the coronavirus that causes Covid. Traditional vaccines use weakened or inactivated germs to prepare the body for a future attack from the real virus.
The body’s immune system then produces antibodies to combat the spike protein, preparing it for when the real coronavirus arrives.
Beijing has refused to approve for public use mRNA-based vaccines developed by foreign firms Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
After lockdowns and mandatory quarantine rules were abruptly lifted in December, it was widely assumed that a lack of vaccinations contributed to more severe infections and deaths.
Other Chinese pharmaceutical companies, including CanSino, have previously stated that they were working on mRNA-based shots to help the country close its immunisation gap.
