China FDA (CFDA) approves Ebola vaccine co-developed by Cansino Biologics and the military

China has approved a domestically developed vaccine for the deadly Ebola virus and is now the third country in the world, after the U.S. and Russia, with an approved vaccine. The CFDA-approved vaccine was co-developed by the military-backed Bioengineering Institute of the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences and private drugmaker Cansino Biologics Inc., of Tianjin.

The vaccine, named recombinant Ebola virus disease vaccine (Adenovirus type 5 vector), is a recombinant replication defective human Ad5 vector-based vaccine expressing Ebola virus glycoprotein, which can stimulate immunity against the Ebola virus in both human cells and bodily fluids, according to the CFDA. The Chinese regulator highlighted in the announcement that the newly approved vaccine is superior to the currently available vaccines in terms of the stability.

The formuation is lyophilized white powder, and compared with the liquid vaccines, is more stable, ideal for Considering the weather conditions in Africa and relative lagged behind infrastructure, it is easier for the storage in those countries.

The CFDA noted in the approval announcement that the vaccine improves China’s ability to prevent and control major public health threats and provides a new means for China to handle global disease epidemics effectively. It will promote research and development of vaccines for major infectious diseases in China.