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BEIJING – China has initiated clinical trials for a domestically developed mRNA tuberculosis vaccine at Beijing Chest Hospital, marking a significant step in the fight against the infectious disease. The announcement, reported by the Beijing Evening News on Monday, highlights the potential of this new vaccine to offer enhanced protection compared to existing options.
According to the report, preliminary animal experiments have demonstrated that the novel vaccine exhibits a protective efficacy “more than 20 times higher” than both the widely used Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine and other foreign tuberculosis vaccines. This breakthrough, if validated in human trials, could provide a substantial improvement in tuberculosis prevention.
The vaccine, developed with independent intellectual property rights, aims to broaden vaccination options for individuals across all age groups, with the goal of significantly reducing tuberculosis incidence and infection rates.
Pang Yu, head of the hospital’s bacteriological immunology, stated that the research and development team will focus on determining optimal immunization strategies, immune methods, administration routes, and assessing potential vaccine adaptation symptoms during the clinical trials.
In addition to the vaccine trials, Beijing Chest Hospital has also unveiled advancements in tuberculosis diagnosis. The hospital has developed an AI-driven diagnostic model for remote, non-invasive early detection of pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis. This model is currently in the preclinical stage. Furthermore, a rapid detection method for tubercle bacillus bacteria, utilizing tongue swabs, is expected to be implemented nationwide starting in July.
These developments represent a multi-pronged approach to combating tuberculosis in China, combining advanced vaccine technology with innovative diagnostic tools.
Disclaimer: Clinical trials are essential for evaluating the safety and efficacy of new vaccines. The results from animal experiments are not indicative of human outcomes. The information provided in this article is based on the provided source and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Readers should consult with healthcare professionals for any health-related concerns.(https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202503/24/WS67e1171aa310c240449dc8ca.html)
