BBIBP-CorV

BBIBP-CorV

BBIBP-CorV, also known as the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, is an inactivated virus vaccine developed by the China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (Sinopharm) and its subsidiary, the Beijing Institute of Biological Products. It is one of the vaccines used globally to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development and Approval

The development of BBIBP-CorV began in early 2020, shortly after the SARS-CoV-2 virus was identified. The vaccine was developed using a traditional method of inactivating the virus, which involves growing the virus in a laboratory and then killing it so that it cannot cause disease. This method has been used for decades in vaccines for diseases such as polio and hepatitis A.

BBIBP-CorV received emergency use authorization in China in mid-2020 and was later approved for general use in December 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) granted emergency use listing for the vaccine in May 2021, allowing it to be distributed globally through the COVAX initiative.

Mechanism of Action

BBIBP-CorV works by introducing inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus particles into the body. These particles are not capable of causing disease but can stimulate the immune system to produce a response. The immune system recognizes the inactivated virus as foreign and generates antibodies against it. If the vaccinated individual is later exposed to the live virus, their immune system can quickly recognize and combat the virus, preventing illness.

Efficacy and Safety

Clinical trials conducted in several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt, have demonstrated that BBIBP-CorV is effective in preventing COVID-19. The vaccine has shown an efficacy rate of approximately 79% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection.

The safety profile of BBIBP-CorV is similar to other inactivated vaccines. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. Serious adverse events are rare.

Distribution and Use

BBIBP-CorV has been distributed to numerous countries around the world, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. It is part of the global effort to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite its widespread use, BBIBP-CorV has faced challenges, including concerns about transparency in clinical trial data and variations in efficacy reports from different countries. Additionally, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised questions about the vaccine's effectiveness against these strains.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Sinopharm
• Inactivated vaccine
• SARS-CoV-2

References

• World Health Organization. "WHO lists additional COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use and issues interim policy recommendations." May 2021.
• Xia, S., et al. "Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, BBIBP-CorV: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 trial." The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2020.