China approves first local COVID-19 drug

The Chinese National Medical Administration has conditionally accepted a new coronavirus vaccine provided by the state-owned Sinopharm company, Report mentions, referring to Central Television (CCTV).

The drug, developed by China National Biotech Group, meets both local and international standards with a clinical trial score of 79.34%.

According to AP, Chen Shifei, deputy commissioner of China's National Medical Products Administration, said at a press conference that research on the drug was still ongoing and would consider any adverse events that could happen after its launch.

The Chinese government plans to vaccinate 50 million people before the lunar New Year holiday in February.