Chen Wei with local children in Sierra Leone [81.cn]
Researcher Chen Wei from the Academy of Military Medical Sciences recently shared her experiences of developing a new generation vaccine with her team members to combat the Ebola virus, which broke out in Congo this May.
When the Ebola broke out, China promptly assigned an anti-epidemic expert group to assist in the prevention and control of the epidemic.
Meanwhile, the recombined Ebola vaccine developed by Chen's team provided technical support for the local people, and was highly acclaimed by the director of the National Vaccine Council of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dr. Muamba.
Looking back on the process of developing the vaccine, Chen said: "Because of our sincere help, our work has been recognized by the African people."
"In 2014, when Ebola broke out in Sierra Leone, we had developed relevant prospective research in this field for many years," Chen said.
Thus, targeted at addressing this particular epidemic, Chen's team members instantly held a discussion and came up with two major decisions that very night. "First, we should create a new-genotype vaccine, as the Ebola virus had undergone significant variation.
Secondly, because there was a general lack of reliable public power systems in the affected areas, it cannot meet the needs for cold chain storage or transportation," Chen added.
So, they should create a kind of freeze-dried powder vaccine that can be stored stably at room temperature, which greatly increased the difficulties and risks.
Within just four months, Chen's team promoted the world's first 2014 genotype Ebola vaccine into the clinical trials phase, with integrated efforts and wisdom of Chinese military medical personnels.
Meanwhile, the phase one clinical trial showed that the new-generation vaccine was safe and effective.
"Previously, we had adhered to the path of international cooperation and jointly conducted vaccine evaluation with the National Microbiology Laboratory of Canada, achieving the effect of international parallel evaluation and mutual verification," Chen said.
Furthermore, their clinical trial results were published in the world-famous medical journalThe Lancet and recognized by international peers.
In order to recombine the Ebola virus, Chen had led her team members carrying out clinical trials for four times in Sierra Leone.
Although they were faced with many difficulties, such as the risk of close contact with Ebola patients, no one flinched in Chen's team.
Eventually, the clinical trials yielded encouraging results.
"On October 19, 2017, the vaccine developed by our team became the first batch of the world's first approved new-generation Ebola vaccine, after relevant approval from national authorities," Chen said.
Meanwhile, Chen also visited an orphanage in the Freetown of the Sierra Leone, where 49 children were orphaned by the Ebola virus.
"I am also a mother, so when surrounded by these lovely children, I really hoped that there would be no more children orphaned by the Ebola virus. To this end, I shall continue to work with my team members," Chen added.