With Sinopharm's vaccine getting ready for the market, the company's chairman speaks exclusively to CGTN's Liu Yang, about the overall safety of the vaccine.
LIU YANG Beijing "Could you tell us some specific details about the phase-three clinical trials? How can we be sure it's safe when it's developed so quickly?"
YANG XIAOMING Chairman Sinopharm, China National Biotec Group (CNBG) "Safety is one of the most important factors to consider in the use of vaccines. With the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, everyone is asking: Is it safe? I am responsible for saying that the CNBG's inactivated COVID-19 vaccine should be very safe! In the process of designing this vaccine, we reported to the National Medical Products Administration and the department related to clinical trials, and they knew whether the test was reasonable or not. The NMPA reviewed clinical trial data from a third party. We don't see that data as a company. It's more authoritative to make announcements from a third-party or the NMPA about the clinical trial results."
LIU YANG Beijing "We know that some medical workers in the UK suffered allergic reactions after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer. Some report suffering from headaches and a cold. What do you think about these reported side effects, and are there reports of any adverse reactions among the people vaccinated with CNBG's jab?"
YANG XIAOMING Chairman Sinopharm, China National Biotec Group (CNBG) "A vaccine with no side effects has not been found to date. There are all kinds of side effects. For the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, each technical route is different and related to effectiveness and safety. For example, the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, the technology used in the past, many inactivated vaccines for other diseases, have all been marketed with high maturity. For different techniques, either live virus vector vaccines or Pfizer's vaccine, they are very innovative. But for large quantities to use, they need further research, including research on the side effects, effectiveness and persistence. And persistence and adequate immune protection are still unknown. Our inactivated COVID-19 vaccine underwent a systematic preclinical evaluation, including research in seven types of animals. It was systematically evaluated in preclinical studies in terms of safety and has been shown to be safe.
Our phase three clinical trials were conducted in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries, where 50,000 to 60,000 people have been vaccinated. People from nearly ten countries, almost 125 different nationalities have also been vaccinated and it has proved safer than expected. Third parties collected these data results."
LIU YANG Beijing "What group of people needs a strict physical assessment before being vaccinated?"
YANG XIAOMING Chairman Sinopharm, China National Biotec Group (CNBG) "In the process of clinical research, we involve different groups of people, such as age groups. For example, our oldest age group is 18-58 years old, young adults, the largest group. For 3 to 17 years of age, we're doing the statistics, and 60 and older. COVID-19 is associated with a higher mortality rate in the older population. I think a further study of the vaccine's effectiveness and safety should focus on those of higher ages and those with underlying diseases."
