Chongqing Zhifei Biological Co., Ltd (SHE: 300122) has announced the commencement of a Phase I clinical study for its recombinant Group B meningococcal vaccine (Escherichia coli), marking a significant step in assessing the vaccine’s safety, tolerability, and preliminary immunogenicity. This product is the first of its kind to enter clinical trials in China, addressing the urgent need for effective prevention measures against epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
The Urgency of Meningococcal Meningitis Prevention
Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, or meningococcal meningitis, is an acute purulent meningitis with a rapid onset and strong infectivity, leading to high mortality and disability rates. Group B meningococcus has emerged as the primary pathogen causing invasive meningitis in developed countries, highlighting the importance of Zhifei Biological’s vaccine development.
COVID-19 Vaccine Development Progress
On the same day, Zhifei Biological’s clinical filing for its Omicron BA.4/5-Delta strain recombinant COVID-19 protein vaccine (Chinese hamster ovary cell) was accepted for review by the National Medical Products Administration. This filing follows the previous approval of the company’s COVID-19 protein vaccine (CHO cells), which targeted the original strains and was co-developed with the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The new filing represents an updated version of this vaccine, designed to combat the evolving strains of the virus.-Fineline Info & Tech
