Shionogi starts COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial for adolescents

Osaka-based pharmaceutical company Shionogi says it has started a clinical trial for Japanese adolescents aged 12 to 19 of a coronavirus vaccine it is developing for all age groups. The product is a recombinant protein-based vaccine. For adult usage, the company is set to apply for approval with Japanese authorities as early as next month. The company said on Monday the clinical trial involves 350 adolescents. They will receive two doses to see whether their neutralizing antibody levels will equal those found in adults who have received the shots, or rise even higher.