By Angeline Ngbele, Correspondent Abuja

The first WHO enlisted global clinical Phase III trial of Sinopharm CNBG’s inactivated vaccine to combat COVID-19 has started in Abu Dhabi, inspired by the UAE Leadership’s commitment to overcome the pandemic through a global collaborative effort.

Chairman of the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed was the first in the world to commence the trial of a Phase III inactivated vaccine for COVID-19 that is the result of a cooperation partnership between Abu Dhabi based G42 Healthcare and Sinopharm CNBG, the world’s sixth largest vaccine manufacturer.

The UAE was selected to conduct the trials as the nation is home to over 200 nationalities, allowing for robust research across multiple ethnicities and increasing its feasibility for global application. They are being operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) who are providing clinical facilities.

UAE Health Authorities have issued a permit for up to 15,000 volunteers to participate and G42 Healthcare and SEHA are working towards achieving a minimum of 5,000 participants for the trials being supervised by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and SEHA following international guidelines stipulated by WHO and USFDA.

Chairperson of the UAE National COVID-19 Clinical Management Committee Dr. Nawal Ahmed Alkaabi said: “Our participation in this trial enables us to make a major contribution in the global fight to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud to facilitate the testing process that if successful leads to the manufacture of a vaccine.”

It follows successful phase I and II trials by Sinopharm in China, resulting in 100 per cent of volunteers generating antibodies.

G42 Healthcare CEO Ashish Koshy said: “We are enormously proud to partner with Sinopharm CNBG in this groundbreaking phase III clinical trial.  Using our AI solutions, super-computer, advanced diagnostics solutions for COVID-19, and G42 Healthcare will be responsible for running clinical operations for these trials.” 

President, Biological products, Sinopharm CNBG Jingjin Zhu added: “The UAE is a nation of innovation and tolerance, home to individuals from every part of the world and ethnic background. We will work closely with our partner G42 Healthcare, with the support of the Abu Dhabi health authorities to complete these clinical trials successfully and make this vaccine available to people in need worldwide.”