The university is working on protocols that, if approved, could lead to the beginning of trials in children age 3 and older. Sinovac Biotech, the pharmaceutical firm responsible for the CoronaVac vaccine, widely used in Chile, would contribute with most of the funds needed for the studies. Meanwhile, Sinovac could arrive in Chile, transforming the country into a vaccine production and distribution hub for the region. Executives with the firm visited Chile and met with rector Sánchez.
Recently, authorities from Universidad Católica and representatives of Sinovac Biotech -the Chinese pharmaceutical firm responsible for the CoronaVac vaccine, widely used in Chile- met in order to plan two important steps in the fight against Covid-19. The first of which refers to clinical studies with the aim of testing the vaccine in children age 3 and older. Currently, the university is preparing protocols that will be reviewed by the ministries of Health and Sciences, and the Public Health Institute of Chile, among others. If approved, the study could begin. As for its funding, rector Ignacio Sánchez said the trials will be covered mainly by Sinovac, with the support of the Confederation for Production and Commerce of Chile, association that brings together large Chilean companies, and the State, subject to confirmation.
Another important step is concerned with the possible arrival of Sinovac in Chile during the second semester, enabling the country to produce and distribute vaccines for the region. Executives with Sinovac recently visited Chile with this purpose, and met rector Sánchez.
Since the beginning of the immunization process in Chile seven months ago, 63% of the target population have already received two doses and 72% have had at least one. Universidad Católica is acknowledged as being a key actor thanks, among other factors, to the joint work that scientists with the university have been carrying out for years with the Chinese firm.
https://www.pauta.cl/ciencia-y-tecnologia/vacunacion-covid-chile-mundo-desarrollo-fechas