Clinical trials for Moderna Inc.'s novel coronavirus vaccine will begin in January in Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. said Monday.
The U.S. biotech firm's vaccine will be tested on 200 people in planned trials to see if an immune reaction occurs, according to Takeda, which is in charge of the trials and distribution of the drug in Japan.
Arrangements are already being made for the trials with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry among others.
Takeda aims to apply for the necessary approval to manufacture and sell the vaccine in Japan. As for when the vaccine will be available in Japan, the company said, "It is still uncertain at this time."
The government has so far agreed to receive supplies of vaccines covering a total of 145 million people from Moderna, U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. and AstraZeneca in Britain.
The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), which is in charge of the screening process, believes that data from clinical trials conducted in Japan are necessary for the maker to receive approval.
Pfizer and Astrazeneca have already started clinical trials in Japan.
On Friday, Pfizer filed an application with the health ministry for approval to manufacture and sell its vaccine in Japan.
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