China-based Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co., Ltd (SHA: 603392) announced the inclusion of its nasal spray influenza virus vector SARS-CoV-2 vaccine co-developed by Xiamen University and Hong Kong University, in the emergency use program in China.
Vaccine Development and Mechanism
The vaccine, produced by inoculating Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells with an attenuated influenza virus strain that includes the new coronavirus receptor-binding domain (RBD) gene, stimulates an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and potentially the influenza virus. The product, approved for clinical trials in China in August 2020, has concluded Phase I, II, and expansion studies in China, and is now undergoing Phase III clinical trials in South Africa, the Philippines, Colombia, and Vietnam.
Clinical Trial Results
A Phase III study concluded in October this year has shown that whether it is used for the basic immunization of people with no immune history or as a sequential booster in people with an immune history, the vaccine has a good protective effect on diseases caused by the COVID-19 Omicron variant, and the protective effect of people over 60 years old is not less than that of people aged 18-59 years old. The drug has a good safety profile.-Fineline Info & Tech
