Mmmmmm, fancy some sweet, sweet Myancopharm?
That’s the enticing name of the Chinese-developed, junta-manufactured COVID-19 vaccine, military propagandists announced yesterday.
“The vaccine has not been released yet. Quality tests are still underway. Once the steps have been passed, it will be possible to buy and use it locally,” Than Naing Soe, a spokesman for the junta’s Health Ministry told BBC Burmese.
According to the military mouthpiece newspaper, there were 13 stages to the development of the vaccine, which were closely monitored by Chinese experts. It was developed in conjunction with Sinopharm, whose vaccine has proved to be of mediocre efficacy.
Vaccine trials took place, and after only three weekly trials of the vaccine it passed the required standards with flying colors.
The vaccine is now planned to launch under the name “Myancopharm” with enough doses in each bottle to vaccinate five people.
It is said that Aung Zaw, a former director of BPI Pharmaceutical Factory, led the development of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country. He was arrested on charges of corruption under the civilian government and was released one year ago after the plaintiff dropped the case.
