Photo courtesy: National Cancer Institute via Wikimedia

CanSino Biologics Inc (CASBF) has become the first company to secure a patent for its COVID-19 vaccine in China, Reuters reported Sunday.

What Happened

The Tianjin, China-based company's patent for its Ad5-nCOV vaccine against COVID-19 stands approved by China’s National Intellectual Property Administration as of August 11, according to Reuters.

Saudi Arabia announced last month plans to test the CanSino vaccine in Phase 3 trials. The company is reportedly also negotiating with Brazil, Chile, and Russia to launch similar trials.

Why It Matters

In May, the Chinese vaccine maker’s Phase 2 clinical trial application was approved by Canadian federal health regulator. 

Multiple vaccine candidates from companies such as Pfizer Inc (PFE) and its partner BioNTech SE (BNTX), Moderna Inc (MRNA), Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) are in late-stage trials or nearing them. 

The U.K. government will support the Phase 3 trial of Novavax, Inc’s (NVAX) vaccine in a supply deal reached with the company.

AstraZeneca plc (AZN) has inked a deal with the governments of Mexico and Argentina for supply of its potential COVID-19 vaccine to Latin American countries, excluding Brazil.

Russia claims its “Sputnik V” vaccine is available for immediate use, but the absence of a Phase 3 trial is leading to a division among experts on safety.

Price Action 

CanSino OTC shares closed nearly 2.6% lower at $25.36 on Friday.