Hang in there world, vaccines for COVID-19 are finally coming.
A top Chinese health official said Friday the country was moving full steam ahead to develop vaccines for the coronavirus, which has infected more than 100,000 people and killed more than 3,000 worldwide.
“According to our estimates, we are hopeful that in April some of the vaccines will enter clinical research or be of use in emergency situations,” said Zheng Zhongwei, director of the National Health Commission’s Science and Technology Development Centre.
Zheng said dozens of China’s vaccine research institutions are being involved, and the development of different types of vaccines also are moving forward.Developing vaccines that are safe and effective takes time, investment, and good science.
For a coronavirus like the one that causes COVID-19, the process comes with even more challenges. The testing alone for its safety and efficacy will take 12 to 18 months or more, officials say.
Under China’s law, vaccines developed for major public health emergencies can be deployed for urgent use under specified conditions, if the National Medical Products Administration considers that the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks.
However, Zheng did not elaborate more under what kind of condition the vaccine could be used on humans.But, China announced in late February that it could begin clinical trials as early as April. Ok! So at least there is HOPE!!
Source : Voanews