DRAP approves NIH request for phase-3 clinical trials of virus vaccine

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has formally got approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to conduct phase-3 clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine in Pakistan. 

This vaccine has been prepared by CanSinoBIO, a Chinese vaccine company, and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology. Phase-3 clinical trials of this vaccine in Pakistan will pave the way for local production of coronavirus vaccine in Pakistan and public and private investment in this sector. This move would also improve Pakistan’s image globally and ensure availability of coronavirus vaccine in Pakistan at an affordable price. 

CanSinoBIO is the world’s first pharmaceutical company, which conducted phase-2 clinical trials of the vaccine and then trials on humans. The company published the results of its phase-1 clinical trials in May this year and then phase-2 trials in July 2020. Since Pakistan is part of this study, it is one of the first few countries that will get the vaccine once it is ready.