In this April 10, 2020 photo, a staff member shows an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine sample at a production unit of the China National Biotec Group. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING – An inactivated COVID-19 vaccine developed by China has started phase-3 clinical trials in Argentina, according to its developer China National Biotec Group (CNBG), which is affiliated to Sinopharm. 

The launch ceremony of the phase-3 clinical trials was held in Beijing Friday after the CNBG obtained the certificate of approval for the process. 

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This is an achievement brought about by CNBG's international cooperation in a bid to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.  

The inactivated vaccine received approval for phase-3 clinical trials in the United Arab Emirates on June 23, and in Peru and Morocco on Thursday. 

The CNBG will work together with a company in Argentina to promote research and development related to the inactivated vaccine. 

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Liu Jingzhen, chairman of Sinopharm, said the phase-3 clinical trials will help fight the epidemic and contribute to the building of a community of health for all.