Chinese firm gets WHO vaccine approval

The Chengdu Institute of Biological Products has gained World Health Organization regulatory approval for its Japanese encephalitis vaccine, Financial Times reported. This is the first time a Chinese vaccine company has been given the green light by an international organization. WHO approval of the Chengdu Institute’s vaccine allows it to market products more widely rather than seeking individual national regulators’ approvals. The decision also reflects the growing influence of pharmaceutical producers from emerging economies, with India already producing many drugs and vaccines that have global approval and several Chinese companies expanding their international ambitions.