Thanks to Qingxi (Tim) Jia for his help drafting this edition of the CBB!
A. COVAX:
1. October 9, 2020: China joined COVAX, the international collaborative Coronavirus vaccine efforts
a) Thoughts: China is confident in its vaccines and is ready to use it for leverage, leaving the US as the only major country missing from the group (Bulletin #11)
B. Vaccines for emergency use
1. China in talks with WHO about assessing its vaccines for emergency use
2. UAE, 1st country outside China, to approve the Sinopharm vaccine foremergency use for frontline workers
3. China’s emergency use of its vaccine
a) Zheng Zhongwei, an official in China’s National Health Commission: “The goal is to first establish an immune barrier among special populations, so that the operations of the entire cities will have a stable guarantee.”
Thought bubble: What is the cost of waiting for Phase III trials? Should a “spirit of self-testing” raise confidence for a vaccine? When is a vaccine deemed safe enough for the benefit of society?
C. Clinical Trials
1. SCMP: More countries host final trials of Chinese-made vaccines.
a) Includes Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, UAE, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey,
Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Russia.
b) Officials from Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan were quoted saying that local trials are a “means to gain future access to approved vaccines.”
Thought bubble: China’s vaccines are yielding strategic results in diplomacy. Access to vaccines is likely to become a strong bargaining tool.
D. Vaccine Specifics
1. Vaccine may be ready in November (Taiwan News)
2. Costs
a) Sinopharm spokesman Liu Jingzhen told state media vaccine would cost no more than 1000 yuan (~$144) for 2 shots. China’s National Health Commission official Zheng Zhongwei said that the price will be lower than what Liu said. (Nikkei).
3. Thoughts: The Chinese government will likely control the cost and flow of the vaccines. Affordability and accessibility of the vaccines will be vital in stabilizing Chinese society and international influence, so the government is incentivized to limit corporate greed and maintain a good image.
E. China Biotech Industry
1. Chinese search engine Baidu is in discussions to raise $2 billion for new biotech company with a focus on using AI. Earlier this year Baidu gave away algorithm “LinerFold” to gene-testing agencies, epidemic control centers, and research institutions. (CNBC)
Thought bubble: Success and momentum in coronavirus vaccines may be encouraging the government and investors to develop China’s biotech alongside 5G, AI, etc.