Turkey Declares Sinovac Effective Up To 91.25 Percent

JAKARTA - China's COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech has an effectiveness of 91.25 percent, according to preliminary data from its final-phase trials in Turkey.

These results are likely much better than those reported after separate trials conducted in Brazil. Researchers in Brazil, which is also undergoing a phase III vaccine trial, said Wednesday, December 23 that the injection had an effectiveness of over 50 percent.

But at the Chinese firm's request, they withheld the full results of the trial, raising questions about transparency. Turkish researchers said on Thursday, December 24 that no serious side effects had emerged during the trial period, apart from one person showing an allergic reaction.

Trials in Turkey began on September 14, and researchers say as many as 1,322 people have participated. Sinovac is the first Chinese vaccine maker to release detailed insights from its final-stage clinical trials following positive results regarding vaccines made by rivals Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca in November.

The Turkish researchers, speaking with Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, said that 26 of the 29 people who were infected during the trial were given a placebo. They added that trials would continue until 40 people became infected.

"Right now we believe that this vaccine is effective and safe (for use) against Turkish citizens," said Koca. He also said that Ankara would use the data as a basis for licensing vaccines.

Turkey had agreed to buy 50 million doses of Sinovac injections and took delivery on December 11, but the deliveries were delayed. Koca said the vaccine would arrive on Monday, December 28 and added that Turkey would vaccinate around nine million people in the first batch, starting with medical workers.

Sinovac has also signed supply deals for its vaccine, called CoronaVac, with a number of countries, including Indonesia, Brazil, Chile and Singapore, also negotiating with the Philippines and Malaysia.

Koca also said Turkey would sign an agreement with Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, for the purchase of 4.5 million doses of the vaccine to be delivered by the end of March, with an option to purchase another 30 million doses later.