A team of researchers led by Nagasaki University has begun clinical trials in Japan on a COVID-19 recombinant protein vaccine developed by Sichuan University from China, according to the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK) website.
This is the first time a vaccine developed in China has been tested in a clinical trial in Japan.
Previously, Nagasaki University, together with Kobe City Translational Research Center for Medical Innovation, had been preparing the necessary procedures for clinical trials and had obtained approval from Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in mid-August.
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Phase I of the clinical trial began at the end of last month, with 240 healthy subjects enrolled and administered the vaccine to test its safety and efficacy.
According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this is the first clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by a Chinese research institute in Japan.
The research team at Nagasaki University believes the risk of adverse reactions is very minor. Because the technology of "recombinant protein vaccines" has been used in other vaccines. They hope to develop a safer vaccine so that babies can also get vaccinated.
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