Advertisement

China can learn from the West about mRNA vaccines, top disease expert says

  • Countries should be open to mixing and matching shots if the approach works, Zhong Nanshan says
  • Border cities to face tighter travel restrictions to stop the spread of cases

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
50
China can learn from the West about mRNA technology, respiratory specialist Zhong Nanshan says. Photo: AFP

A top Chinese respiratory scientist has urged China to learn from the West about advanced mRNA vaccine technology, and called on all countries to be open-minded about working together.
Advertisement
Speaking at the Greater Bay Science Forum in Guangzhou on Saturday, Zhong Nanshan also said countries should team up to explore how to mix and match Covid-19 vaccines for greater effectiveness.

“We should learn about the good things in other countries, such as mRNA vaccines. They have spent years on the research and managed to develop mRNA vaccines [for the coronavirus] in just a few months,” Zhong said.

“The urgency of the disease has accelerated the work in this regard. We should learn [from other countries] aspects such as the technology and delivery mechanism [of mRNA vaccines].”

01:59

India reports first Omicron variant cases despite tightened travel restrictions

India reports first Omicron variant cases despite tightened travel restrictions
China has overcome its early reservations about mRNA vaccines to start developing its own, with the first candidate jointly developed the Academy of Military Science, Walvax Biotechnology and Suzhou Abogen Biosciences. But late-stage trial data has yet to be released.
Advertisement
Advertisement