NationThailand-July 22

Chulalongkorn University expects to complete the first phase of human trials of its mRNA Covid-19 vaccine within this month, Dr Chalermchai Boonyaleepun, deputy chair of the Senate’s public health committee, said on social media. He explained that the trial, which kicked off in June, is being conducted on two groups of volunteers – ages 18-55 and 65-75. The trial is using doses of three sizes – 10, 25 and 50 micrograms (mcg). In comparison, the Pfizer and Moderna doses are 30mcg and 100mcg respectively. Chalermchai said the locally produced vaccine can be stored for three months at a temperature of between 2-8 degrees. In comparison, the Pfizer vaccine can only be stored for a month and the Moderna jab for just a week in these temperatures. Chalermchai also said the university aims to boost the vaccine’s efficacy against new variants. He added that the locally developed mRNA vaccine will be ready for use by the fourth quarter of this year or early next year, while the second version of the vaccine will be available three to six months later.

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