inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (Vero cell) vaccine

The inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (Vero cell) vaccine refers to a platform of COVID-19 vaccines that utilize a chemically inactivated version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These vaccines are produced by propagating the virus in Vero cell cultures (a lineage of cells derived from African green monkey kidney epithelial cells), followed by inactivation, typically using beta-propiolactone, to ensure the virus cannot replicate while maintaining its antigenic integrity. The resulting whole-virion particles are purified and usually formulated with an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity. This platform stimulates an immune response against multiple structural proteins of the virus, including the spike, nucleocapsid, membrane, and envelope proteins. Several such vaccines have been developed and approved globally, most notably by Sinovac (CoronaVac), Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV and WIBP-CorV), and Minhai Biotechnology (KCONVAC). The Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been a key clinical trial sponsor for several of these candidates, including a Phase II trial (ChiCTR2100051645) evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of the Minhai/Kangtai formulation.

Brand names

KCONVACCoronaVacHayat-VaxCOVILO

Other names

Novel Coronavirus inactivated vaccine (Vero cells)Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell)