The coronavirus pandemic has led to a disruption in the lives of almost everyone around the world. As cases begin to decline in some countries, others have witnessed a second-wave of infections, with hospitals and frontline workers being overwhelmed yet again. While governments across the globe are doing the best they can to contain the virus, a permanent solution lies in the development of an effective vaccine. Following a successful first and second leg, a phase III trial of a COVID-19 inactivated vaccine developed by Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopham kicked off in the UAE in July this year and is yet to be completed.
Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, revealed the findings of studies during the final stages of phase III clinical trials have shown that the vaccine is effective and has a strong response, generating antibodies to the virus. “The vaccine’s safety have been reviewed and results show it is safe for use,” the minister added during a press briefing.
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Dr Nawal Al-Kaabi, Chairperson of the National Clinical Committee for Coronavirus and the principal investigator of the third phase of clinical trials of the inactive vaccine to fight COVID-19, spoke in detail about the vaccine at the briefing. She said that 31,000 people from 125 countries took part in the vaccine clinical trials over a period of six weeks, but the vaccine was tried successfully on 1,000 volunteers who suffer from chronic diseases. “The preliminary results are encouraging; however, studies will continue. Side effects are simple and come as expected just like any other vaccine. No dangerous side effects or symptoms have been reported,” Al Kaabi mentioned. The vaccine was tested on 1,000 volunteers suffering from chronic diseases and thankfully there were no complications for any of them.
