(Yicai Global) July 30 -- Fosun Pharma [SHA:600196] has entered the first batch of Phase I clinical trials of the new coronavirus mRNA vaccine authorized by Germany’s BioNTech, and 36 Volunteers were successfully vaccinated on July 28, Fosun International [HK: 0656] Chairman Guo Guangchang announced yesterday on China’s Twitter-like Weibo.

Fosun Pharma’s global partners BioNTech and Pfizer also announced that same day that the Covid-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, which has secured fast-track approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, has officially launched global phase 2 and 3 clinical studies, Guo added.

Fosun Pharma was trading 6.77 percent up at CNY58.22 (US8.32) in mid-afternoon after falling from a morning high of CNY61.05 and Fosun International [HKG:0656] had risen 0.68 percent to HKD8.85 (US1.14).

Fosun Pharma received authorization in March from Mainz-based BioNTech to exclusively develop and commercialize vaccine products against the novel coronavirus in China developed based on its proprietary mRNA technology platform. The shot is a preventive biological product intended for use mainly with people aged 18 and above to prevent new coronavirus infections.

The inoculant was approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration for clinical trials; Fosun Pharma announced on July 16. Phase I clinical trial of the new coronavirus mRNA vaccine started, and a training meeting convened in Taizhou in East China on July 18.

Shanghai-based Fosun International is among China's most diverse private enterprise groups. Its businesses include pharmaceuticals, real estate development, steel, mining, retail, service sectors and strategic investment. Fosun Pharma is its indirectly held unit.

Editor: Ben Armour