Coronavirus vaccine trials advance in Brasília

The University of Brasilia announced that it is still seeking volunteers for trials of a potential coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech. Researchers say, however, that only healthcare professionals who have been exposed to the virus will be accepted.

According to Gustavo Romero, who coordinates the trials in Brasília, “no adverse reactions have been observed so far.” Mr. Romero and his team work under the umbrella of São Paulo’s Butantan Biological Institute.

Brazil still undecided about Covid-19 vaccine alliance

Meanwhile, the Brazilian government remains on the fence about whether or not to join the COVAX Facility, a global Covid-19 vaccine allocation plan co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO). The deadline for an answer ends today — but the Health Minister has asked for more time. 

“The government is carefully studying Brazil’s participation in the COVAX Facility, an unprecedented initiative that aims at the acquisition of vaccines among at least nine options under clinical analysis. Brazil, like other countries, continues to negotiate with the Global Vaccination Alliance (GAVI) for a deadline extension and also to confirm Brazil’s participation,” the administration said in a statement.

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