Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine third phase begins at BIECC

TDT | Manama

Sinopharm, a China-based pharma company, has started administering its COVID-19 vaccine to volunteers in Bahrain as part of its third phase clinical trial for which UAE is also a partner, the Ministry of Health said. The trial of the inactivated vaccine, pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation, studies the effectiveness of antibody production and the acquired protection against the virus.

The move is part of the steps taken within the on-going efforts to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic and limit its spread, the ministry of health said. Health ministry appreciated over 6,000 volunteers for signing up for the third phase of the trial. Sinopharm completed the first and second phases of the vaccine in China with health success rates.

Volunteers, over 18-years of age, will have to undergo a health assessment before enlisting. “Those willing, can visit Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) between 08:00 am and 08:00 pm,” the ministry statement said. Volunteers can also register their participation through the National Volunteer Platform. The trial is approved by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) and enlisted by the World Health Organisation.