Iran starts human trials of its COVID vaccine

Iran has announced the beginning of human clinical trials of its Fakhra coronavirus vaccine, named in memory of the murdered scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Report informs with reference to the Iranian Press TV.

“Animal tests of the Fakhra vaccine have shown exceptional efficacy, and human trials begin today,” Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki said.

Fakhrizadeh headed the Iranian Defense Ministry's research center, which was developing the vaccine. The scientist’s son was one of the first to be vaccinated. Previously, the vaccine was tested on more than 650 animals of different species, including mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, and monkeys.

The Iranian authorities have already begun to design and build a factory for the mass production of the drug and hope that it will start operating in the summer.