China approves clinical trials for 16 indigenous COVID-19 vaccines

China has approved clinical trials for 16 indigenous COVID-19 vaccines, of which six are in the third stage, according to a state-run media report.

The latest vaccines for clinical trials are based on recombinant protein, adenovirus vector, nucleic acid and attenuated influenza-viruses technologies, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, citing data from the National Medical Products Administration.

China has already given conditional approval to two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines made by state-owned developers — Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech.

As of February 9, China has given 40.52 million COVID-19 jabs to key groups, Xinhua reported, quoting a National Health Commission official.

(Edits by EP News Bureau)