Chinese researchers have successfully concluded the second phase of tests with a human vaccine against the deadly bird flu virus, with results showing it to be safe and effective.
An official involved in the trials has revealed that about 400 people aged between 18 and 60 were administered the vaccine between September and November.The drug is said to have performed well on the subjects, without causing any side effects.
"China is capable of producing bird flu vaccines for humans in appropriate quantities," the China Daily quoted Zhang Jiansan, the vice general manager of Beijing-based vaccine producer Sinovac Biotech, as telling Xinhua.
The World Health Organisation has hailed the progress made by Chinese researchers.
"Around a year ago China announced the first phase of clinical tests for a human vaccine," a Beijing-based WHO spokeswoman said in an e-mail.
"It's encouraging that China is making progress but WHO needs more information to properly comment. We'll be talking to the Chinese researchers for more information," she added.
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