coronavac (Sinovac Biotech Ltd.)

CoronaVac is an inactivated whole-virion vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech for the prevention of COVID-19. The vaccine is produced by propagating the SARS-CoV-2 virus (specifically strains such as WIV04 or CN02) in qualified Vero cell lines, followed by purification and inactivation using beta-propiolactone. The inactivated virus particles are then adsorbed onto 0.5 mg of aluminum hydroxide, which acts as an adjuvant to enhance the immune response. CoronaVac works by presenting the entire inactivated virus to the immune system, thereby inducing the production of neutralizing antibodies and stimulating T-cell responses against multiple viral proteins, primarily the spike protein. It was one of the first COVID-19 vaccines to receive Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization and has been widely administered globally.

Brand names

CoronaVac

Other names

adsorbed SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccineSinovac COVID-19 vaccineinactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Vero cell)