SINOVAC, HKU-CTC & GHK partner for Omicron-specific vaccine trials

The Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (GHK or Gleneagles) recently held an event to introduce a clinical trial for assessing the security and immunogenicity of Omicron-targeted COVID-19 inactivated vaccine developed by SINOVAC which will be used as a booster shot in adults, in anticipation of offering scientific proof for future immunization strategy.

Credible sources cite that the study is headed by the University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre's (HKU-CTC) medical research team in association with Gleneagles.

A total of 300 adult volunteers aged 18 or above, who have been jabbed with two or three doses of mRNA COVID-19 or inactivated vaccine, will be recruited in this study.

Prof. Ivan Hung Fan-Ngai, a Clinical Prof. at the Department of Medicine and Asst. Dean (Clinical Curriculum & Assessment) at the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the HKUMed (University of Hong Kong) stated during the event that everyone around the world knows that vaccination is one of the most efficient ways to handle infectious diseases.

He further said that at present, Omicron is continuously spreading across the world. Based on this, the clinical trial is expected to effectively enhance and promote vaccine research and vaccination administration.

In December 2021, SINOVAC obtained the Omicron variant's sample and then actively promoted the research and development of its inactivated COVID-19 vaccine.

As per preclinical research, the vaccine is effective and has been found safe in animals.

Following this, the booster immunization clinical trial for Omicron was then approved by the HKU GHK IRB (Institutional Review Board) on April 2022 and by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong, empowering them to carry out the clinical study for augmenting the immunity of people against the new variant of COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

Source Credit - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220704005146/en/SINOVAC-joins-hands-with-HKU-CTC-research-team-and-Gleneagles-Hospital-Hong-Kong-to-kick-off-a-clinical-trial-of-an-Omicron-specific-inactivated-vaccine-for-booster-use-in-Hong-Kong-China