A wave of Chinese pharmaceutical companies has announced the receipt of Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for their COVID-19 vaccines targeting the Omicron XBB variant. Among the notable developments are Lizhu Pharmaceutical’s (HKG: 1513) recombinant bivalent vaccine, which combines the prototype strain with the Omicron XBB variant, and CanSino Biologics’ (SHA: 688185, HKG: 6185) inhalable recombinant vaccine specifically designed for the COVID-19 XBB.1.5 mutant, utilizing an adenovirus type 5 vector.
Additionally, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKG: 1093) has received authorization for its COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccine (SYS6006.32), targeting both XBB.1.5 and BQ.1 variants. Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd (SHE: 300142) has collaborated with Fudan University and RNACure to develop RQ3033, an mRNA vaccine aimed at the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant. Sinocelltech Group Ltd (SHA: 688520) has also launched its recombinant S-trimer protein vaccine, SCTV01E-2, targeting the Beta/Omicron (BA.1/BQ.1.1/XBB.1) variants.
These five vaccines are strategically designed to combat the Omicron XBB variant, which is currently the predominant strain in China. Recent reports indicate that 7,646 valid local genome sequences of COVID-19 from 31 provinces and regions, including the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, have been identified, all of which are Omicron variants, encompassing 73 evolutionary branches, with the XBB series being the main epidemic strains.- Flcube.com
