As part of the UAE's efforts to develop a potential vaccine for COVID-19 virus, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Dr. Jamal Mohammad Al Kaabi, Acting Undersecretary of DoH, recently held a meeting with a delegation from the Sinopharm China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Group 42 (G42), during when they discussed future prospects of the pandemic battle as clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine reach the third stage in the country.

During the meeting, the Chinese pharmaceutical group and Abu Dhabi-based Group 42 delegation have signed an agreement for mutual cooperation aiming to carry forward the clinical operations of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE under the supervision of DoH. Notedly, the leading Group 42 is specialized in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing,

Furthermore, discussions took place between the two parties on coordinated efforts for vaccine development. They laid emphasis on appointing experts from both delegations who will be working together complete the clinical trials of the vaccine. At the same time, shipment details of the vaccines produced after the trials were also discussed. Responding to the development, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed expressed his support to the partnership of UAE and Chinese delegations, highlighting that the UAE has made significant progress in leading the clinical research for development of the virus as the global search for a vaccine to Coronavirus continues.

He added that with the guidance and support of the UAE leadership, the country is playing a key role in the global fight against the pandemic, particularly in coordinating with various parties at both local and international levels for the health and welfare of the society as a whole.

"Today, we are pleased to see the results of the collective work of DoH and its partners as they begin to analyse and plan, in coordination with all parties, to move forward in reviewing and monitoring one of the most important studies that will be carried out in Abu Dhabi," Al Hamed stated.

In addition, Dr. Jamal Mohammad Al Kaabi shared the details about the clinical trials of the vaccine which are in line with one of the most efficient methodologies for clinical studies.

"It is referred to as ‘randomised double blind clinical trials’, which can be implemented globally if carried out correctly. The researchers presented the evidence and results of the first and second stages of the study, which are a prerequisite for moving forward. Additionally, the researchers involved in the study are closely monitoring the volunteers throughout the process, ensuring the highest levels of safety for the participants," he said.

Furthermore, Dr. Al Kaabi stated that the DoH is working closely with various researchers and experts to ensure that the trials adhere to all international requirements from the beginning to the end. In addition, he said that the results of the study should be adapted globally should the study prove successful use of one or both of the vaccinations.

"This is a decision made by DoH’s Medical Research Ethics Committee, which determines the success of a project in line with DoH’s mandate of ‘prevention is better than cure’ at world-class levels," Dr. Al Kaabi said.

After fulfilling all necessary conditions and requirements of clinical research, the study has received confirmation to proceed ahead while prioritizing the safety of the volunteers in the process.

The clinical trial process is divided into three phases:

·        In the first phase, the focus is on the safety of the vaccine,

·        Phase 2 evaluates immunogenicity and explores the immunization process on a limited number of individuals,

·        Phase 3 revolves around the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in a larger population sample.

Once the vaccine passes through all clinical trial phases with safe and effective results, it enters the phase of large-scale manufacturing.

The vaccine developed by the UAE team has already passed phases I and II of the clinical trials with positive results and with 100% of all volunteers generating antibodies.

The collaboration of Group 42 and Sinopharm CNBG is aiming to boost the process of the development of a safe and effective vaccine that can potentially enter the global market by the end of 2020 or early 2021 in a bid to secure the human race from the Coronavirus pandemic.

With the kickstart of clinical trials on July 14, a series of national initiatives has started by the UAE to secure public health and strengthen UAE's medical research and development capabilities, along with developing the country's capabilities to manufacture the highly-demanded vaccine. As the UAE works to fulfill its commitment towards building a prosperous, knowledge-based economy in the aftermath of the pandemic crisis, the leadership will be providing details related to the initiatives on regular basis.

WAM