Havana, May 21.- The Phase III clinical trial of the once-valent antineumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate began this week in three polyclinics in the capital, BioCubaFarma Business Group reported via Canal Caribe.
The study will evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of this immunogen developed by the Finlay Institute of Vaccines, targeting adults between 50 and 74 years of age.
Following a Phase II trial involving 432 volunteers with favorable results, this stage includes 567 participants, who will receive a single intramuscular dose with clinical follow-up for 30 days.
The research is based on the platform of the registered seven-serotype vaccine Quimi-Vio, which has now been expanded to eleven serotypes, corresponding to the most frequent ones in the Cuban population.
Specialists noted that the expansion of coverage could strengthen the national immunization schedule against respiratory diseases, including pneumonia and acute infections.
For two weeks, the trial will remain open in three Havana polyclinics, with medical and nursing teams ensuring every detail is managed despite energy limitations.
The designation of this phase was a response to the sustained achievements reached in previous stages and the need to provide new scientific evidence for the protection of a vulnerable population.
