Phase III trials for Chinese company Cansinobio's COVID-19 vaccine launched: NCOC

States schools to open on previously decided schedule

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday announced that phase III clinical trials for the Covid-19 vaccine will be launched in Pakistan.

The trial is a partnership between the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the CanSinoBio and Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China [BIB].

The trials have begun, said Dr Hasan, an official with the pharmaceutical company.

"Just launched the Phase III trials for a COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan," said Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Asad Umar.

The minister stated phase III clinical trials for a Covid-19 vaccine in Pakistan has been launched and a total of 40,000 people will participate in this trial from seven different countries.

In a tweet, the federal minister said that from 40,000 participants, 8,000 to 10,000 will be Pakistani, adding that initial results are expected in four to six months.

Just launched the phase 3 trials for a Covid19 vaccine in Pakistan. Vaccine has been developed by a chinese company. A total of 40,000 people will participate in this trial in 7 countries, of which 8 to 10, 000 will be Pakistani. Initial results expected in 4 to 6 months

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) September 22, 2020

Earlier in September, China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Sinovac Biotech Ltd said four more countries have agreed to run late-stage clinical tests of their coronavirus vaccine candidates, as China steps up its efforts in the global race.

Serbia and Pakistan were among the new countries agreeing to Phase 3 trials, as the two companies seek more data overseas amid dwindling new cases in China.

The meeting also maintained that educational institutions will reopen as previously decided. The second phase - classes 6 to 8 - will reopen from tomorrow.