Sri Lanka approves Chinese Sinovac vaccines; three members of expert panel resign

The Expert Advisory Panel, an eight-member body, for COVID-19 vaccines of Sri Lanka’s drug regulator, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Board, on Friday granted approval for the use of the Sinovac on Friday.

The Sunday Times newspaper reported that the three members who resigned were unhappy over the disregard of the NMRA Board for the advice of the Vaccine Advisory Panel and overruling of scientific opinion.

The panel had “agreed”, in its earlier meeting that Sinovac was the “least effective vaccine” against Delta — as no data had been submitted at that time — which may very soon be the dominant variant in the country.

They advised limited approval with putting a cap on the import quantity. There are also reports, saying the firm suggested people would require booster shots after six months.

Earlier, Malaysia, too, had announced stopping the use of  Sinovac once its current supplies end. Other Southeast Asian countries have said they are looking to mix and match the Chinese-made shots with those from western manufacturers.

In Sri Lanka, earlier also several members of the regulatory body had resigned, citing alleged politicization and pressure in the vaccine approval process. The government, though, went ahead with appointing new members to get the approval.