Novavax has granted Serum Institute rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in a few regions. The agreement, which expands on an earlier association, gives Serum exclusive marketing rights in India till deal ends and non-exclusive rights for developing countries till pandemic lasts, with Novavax getting half of net revenue.

The study is designed to support the regulatory approval process in China and confirm that the safety and immunogenicity profile observed in German and US trials is comparable to that of Chinese participants, according to BioNTech.

A first look at the clinical data for Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine suggests it can produce strong antibody responses while being well tolerated.

Chinese state-owned company Sinopharm has started a Phase III coronavirus vaccine study in Abu Dhabi, while another Chinese firm, Sinovac, has commenced its trial with partner Butantan in Brazil. Meanwhile, regulators in Beijing have started an audit process to ensure regulatory compliance.