SinoPharm: COVID-19 vaccine could be ready by end of 2020 – Global Times

In an interview with China’s highly influential media outlet, Global Times, Liu Jingzhen, Chairman of China National Pharmaceutical Group (SinoPharm), said the results of phase I and II clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine were very positive and without serious side effects.

Key quotes

"SinoPharm was approved at the end of June to begin international phase III clinical trials and [the vaccine] could be on the market by the end of the year."

“Phase III trials should be completed in about three months and are in the final stages of approval.” 

"So far, it's going well. It is leading the world in research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing facilities, and vaccine efficacy, safety, and accessibility."

In the US, three vaccines were under research and development in the first half, including those from Moderna and Pfizer. 

Other COVID-19 vaccines are also in development - including one at the University of Oxford in the UK - and have also entered clinical trials.