Second Iranian COVID-19 Vaccine Ready for Clinical Trial
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s medical authorities have given permission for the second homegrown vaccine for the coronavirus to undergo human tests, the health minister said.
Saeed Namaki said on Wednesday that the second Iranian coronavirus vaccine developed by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute has been allowed to undergo human trials as of next week.
The first Iranian vaccine, financed by the Barakat Foundation, has already been injected to several volunteers, all of whom are in good health.
The Iranian minister also pointed to the joint production of a coronavirus vaccine with Cuba, expressing hope that it would become available in mid-spring.
Namaki also said that the first Iranians among the priority groups will be receiving imported vaccines within the next three weeks, saying Tehran should make sure that the most reliable and harmless vaccines will enter the country.
Last week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani assured people that his administration strives to meet demand for the coronavirus vaccine with a homegrown product, purchases from reliable foreign companies, and delivery of vaccine through the World Health Organization's COVAX program.