Italian COVID-19 Vaccine Shows 99% Efficacy in Phase 2 Clinical Trial

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Italy's domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine showed up to 99% efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trials.

Italian biotechnology company Reithera announced on the 12th (local time) in a statement that "its vaccine candidate GRad-COV2 demonstrated a strong immune response in Phase 2 trials."

In the clinical trial involving 917 adults, the preventive effect increased to 93% three weeks after the first dose and up to 99% after the second dose.

Side effects were limited to mild symptoms such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache.

Reithera stated, "GRad-COV2 has confirmed excellent safety and immunogenicity in large-scale populations."

The company plans to enter Phase 3 clinical trials soon. However, progress has been delayed since the public auditor rejected the plan for public funding in May.

Reithera said, "At least 60 million euros (approximately 81.6 billion KRW) are needed for Phase 3 trials," adding, "We hope to start Phase 3 as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.