Shionogi Starts Covid - 19 Vaccine Clinical Trial For Adolescents
Osaka-based pharmaceutical company Shionogi says it has started a clinical trial for Japanese adolescents aged 12 to 19 of a coronavirus vaccine it is developing for all age groups.
The product is a recombinant protein-based vaccine.
For adult usage, the company is set to apply for approval with Japanese authorities as early as next month.
The company said on Monday the clinical trial involves 350 adolescents. They will receive two doses to see whether their neutralizing antibody levels will equal those found in adults who have received the shots, or rise even higher.
The trial began last Saturday. The drugmaker says the participants will receive a third dose to see whether their antibody levels rise again.
Shionogi also plans a clinical trial for children 5 to 11. The company says it "will seek to provide new options for COVID-19 vaccination for people of all ages."