Cuba should conclude clinical trials of "Soberana 01" -- a vaccine candidate against COVID-19 -- by early next year.

The Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices (Cecmed) has approved the submission of a prophylactic drug against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, developed by the Finlay Institute of Vaccines, for Phase I/II studies.

The process will begin on August 24th and end on January 11, 2021, according to the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials website.

The research to develop the immunizing drug covers 676 people between the ages of 19 and 80 and will be carried out in a "randomized, controlled, adaptive and multicenter way with the aim of evaluating the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the candidate in a two-dose scheme."

According to the publication, the results of the trial will be available on February 1st and will be published on February 15th.  

Yesterday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel noted the progress of the Cuban project and showed confidence in the response of national science to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Earlier, the Cuban leader stressed the importance of having a drug of their own against COVID-19, even if other nations have their own, as a matter of sovereignty.