Months after the easing of tight Covid-zero controls triggered an increase in cases, China has licensed its first domestically manufactured messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination against Covid-19, the vaccine’s maker said on Wednesday.
The vaccine was created by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. and has been given “emergency use” approval by Beijing’s health authority, according to a statement from the business.
The business noted, without providing further information, that it demonstrated excellent effectiveness in a study when it was administered as a booster injection for those who had already received other kinds of vaccinations.
mRNA vaccines are regarded as those of the best for preventing fatal infections and serious illnesses.
mRNA uses small pieces of genetic material that carry instructions telling the body’s cells how to produce a protein, in this case, the spike protein on the coronavirus that causes Covid, whereas conventional vaccines use weakened or inactivated germs to prepare the body for a future attack from the real virus.
The immune system of the body then releases antibodies to combat that spike protein, preparing it for the arrival of the actual coronavirus.
Beijing has rejected approval for the use of mRNA-based vaccinations produced by the international companies Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
The lack of immunization was generally thought to have contributed to more serious illnesses and fatalities when lockdowns and requirements for enforced quarantine were abruptly lifted in December.
CanSino and other Chinese pharmaceutical companies have previously said they are working on mRNA-based vaccines to address the country’s immunization gap.
