China’s first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is undergoing Phase III trial
China's first messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine (ARCoV) is undergoing its Phase III clinical trial, according to China National Radio. The ARCoV vaccine is jointly developed by China's Suzhou Abogen Biosciences, the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences and Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
There are currently two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved for use in humans: one developed by U.S. drugmaker Pfizer in partnership with German company BioNTech, and the other by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases together with U.S. biotech firm Moderna Therapeutics.
ARCoV is the first Chinese mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 and it can be stored under 2 to 8°C, hence a much less stringent temperature requirement than shots from western rivals. Abogen is backed by reputable investors including Hillhouse Capital and PICC.
