Previous trial data showed that the vaccine candidate was safe and induced immune responses. Credit: fotoblend on Pixabay.

China-based CanSino Biologics is set to launch a Phase III clinical trial of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, Ad5-nCOV, in Saudi Arabia soon.

Last month, the company was in discussions with Russia, Brazil, Chile and Saudi to conduct a Phase III trial of the potential vaccine.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The vaccine is made up of a harmless cold virus known as adenovirus type-5 (Ad5) to deliver genetic material from the coronavirus into the body. It was developed in collaboration with China’s military research unit.

According to Saudi Ministry of Health, the Phase III trial will enrol approximately 5,000 subjects. The study will compare Ad5-nCOV to placebo.

Saudi is said to be preparing to perform the study across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Dammam and Mecca.

In a statement, Saudi Ministry of Health said: “Research teams will follow up on participants after they take a dose to ensure that no side effects appear.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The follow-up will be through direct visits by the patients to the doctors participating in the study. Patients will also undergo all necessary immunological tests. Furthermore, electronic follow-up methods will be used.”

Previous trial data showed that the vaccine candidate was safe and induced immune responses in most participants. CanSino conducted the first and second phase studies of the vaccine in China.

The first phase evaluated three different doses of the vaccine in 108 volunteers in China from 16 to 27 March while the second phase tested two doses in 603 subjects from 11 to 16 April.

Results demonstrated favourable efficiency profile, with Covid-19 antibodies observed in the plasma of the participants. Few side effects were reported, primarily with low vaccine doses.

Another Chinese company, Sinopharm, initiated a Phase III trial last month to assess its Covid-19 vaccine candidate in Abu Dhabi, UAE.