Mr. Yuan, Country Head of the Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical called on Dr. Masoom Yasinzai , Rector, International Islamic University where both of the officials discussed Phase III clinical trials of ZF2001 vaccine against Covid-19.
ZF2001 vaccine is co-developed by the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMCAS) and Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical, China.
The meeting was also attended by VP (AF&P) Dr. N.B. Jumani, Provost female, Dr. Humaira Ishfaq, Students Advisor Female, Dr. Summya Chughtai, Provost male hostels, Dr. Ibrar Anver and Dr. Asma Gul. Mr khawar zaman, Manager Operations, Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical was also present on the occasion.
Talking on the occasion, the Zhifei Longcom official told that its DRAP-approved vaccine that is in the Phase III clinical trials. These trials have been approved by National Bioethics Committee (NBC) Pakistan and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
He told that ZF2001 is having participants in China, Ecuador, Malaysia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. These trials are also being conducted in many cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Karachi. He added that those who participate in the trial will have several benefits such as free of cost PCR and antibody tests of volunteers during screening for assessing active or previous COVID-19 exposure; provision of inconvenience allowance of Rs16,000/- periodically; insurance of volunteers by the company for any adverse effects occurring due to the vaccine; and administration of free of cost vaccine will be administered to the placebo control group after the end of trials.
Talking on the occasion, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that it is a protein sub-unit based vaccine targeting different variants of COVID-19 as well and aspect of safety is also there. He said IIU is eager to contribute in this regard and volunteers in this regard shall be sensitized rest is totally up to an individual if he goes for the trial or not, the university shall not force him. He said IIU is also keen to enhance bilateral ties with the Chinese universities and industry on joint research and science projects.
On the occasion, Dr. Jumani assured of maximum support in this regard under the guidance of IIU Rector, while he also discussed safety, toleration and immunogenic aspects of the vaccine with the officials of the Chinese company.