The SARS virus

WHO/The University of Hong Kong

Researchers in China say that no side effects have been observed during the world's first human trials of a vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Thirty-six volunteers received either low or high doses of the vaccine. The first group has completed the trial while the second has received one of two doses.

If China's State Drug Administration approves the results, the researchers will proceed with the second phase of trials. But health officials in China say full development and mass production of a SARS vaccine are still years away.

The research was conducted by Sinovac Biotech Ltd in China, where SARS first emerged in 2003 before spreading to 32 countries and killing about 800 people.

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