Human trials for Chinese mRNA vaccine set to begin in China

The phase I clinical trial of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine developed by a Shanghai-based biotechnology firm has completed patient enrollment in China, according to a report by online news portal ThePaper.cn.

Designed by Stemirna Therapeutics, the vaccine SW-BIC-213 is designed to offer protection against various strains of COVID-19, including the Delta, Omicron BA3, BA4, and BA5 variants, according to Shen Haifa, the chief technology officer of the company.

One hundred and twenty participants in China have been enrolled in the first phase of the trial, during which two doses will be administered 21 days apart. Participants will have their blood drawn and tested at different stages to determine the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

According to the company, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai will be responsible for conducting the trial.

The vaccine has completed its phase I clinical trial in Laos, where the phase II clinical trial is still ongoing, said the company.

Data from the phase I clinical trial in Laos showed that those injected with the vaccine showed only mild to moderate adverse reactions within seven days, with most patients experiencing only soreness around the injection site. The trial also showed the efficacy of the vaccine is no less than that of those that have been approved for use.

Du Zixuan contributed to the story.