Vietnam’s Covid-19 vaccine to start human testing

Vietnam’s coronavirus vaccine, researched and produced by Nanogen company, is expected to be tested on humans in November, after its paperwork is completed, VN Express has reported. 

According to Nguyen Ngo Quang, deputy director of Science, Technology and Training, the Ministry of Health is requesting the manufacturer of the vaccine to complete all relevant documents and related procedures. It is expected that Phase I will test the vaccine on 20 people; Phase II will test on 600 people; and Phase III will test on more than 10,000 people. 

Previously, the Ministry of Health has assessed the Nanogen vaccine as one of the two Covid-19 vaccines of Vietnam with the most potential. The vaccine is now being tested on animals for safety and ability to produce immunity. 

In addition to Nanogen, Vietnam also has three other Covid-19 vaccines in the research process, which belong to the Institutes of Vaccine and Medical Biology (IVAC) Nha Trang, the No. 1 Vaccine and Biological Company (Vabiotech), and the Research Center for Vaccine Production and Medical Biologicals (Polyvac).

If successful, the Nanogen Covid-19 vaccine will be the first vaccine of Vietnam to be tested in humans. Thirty-eight Covid-19 vaccines are currently being clinically tested worldwide.