Virus: CanSino inhaled jab gets emergency use approval in China

A logo of China's vaccine specialist CanSino Biologics Inc is pictured on the company's branch office building in Shanghai, China, Feb 25, 2022. (PHOTO / IC)

HONG KONG – China's CanSino Biologics Inc said on Sunday that its recently developed COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by the country's drug regulator for emergency use as a booster, potentially benefiting its business.

The approval will have a positive impact on the company's performance if the vaccine is subsequently purchased and used by relevant government agencies.

CanSino Biologics Inc

The inhaled version of Cansino's adenovirus-vectored COVID-19 vaccine has obtained the green light from the National Medical Products Administration, the company said in a filing on Sunday.

"The approval will have a positive impact on the company's performance if the vaccine is subsequently purchased and used by relevant government agencies," CanSino said.

ALSO READ: Early trial shows CanSino inhaled jab triggered immune response

The company cautioned, however, that it will face fierce competition from other vaccines in China that have also obtained government approval or are in clinical trials.

China granted emergency use authorisation to Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Inc's COVID-19 vaccine as a booster, Livzon said on Friday, one of just two new products against the disease the country had cleared in more than a year.

READ MORE: CanSino says no blood clots reported from its virus shot

Cansino also said it was uncertain when its vaccine would be able to go to market, since additional administrative approvals are still needed, while sales would depend on the COVID-19 situation at home and abroad, as well as China's vaccination rate.