Havana, August 19 (RHC)-- Cuba will begin on Monday, August 24th, the first stage of clinical trials of its candidate for the COVID-19 vaccine, whose results will be available in January 2021, according to the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials.

The research to develop the prophylactic drug called "Soberana 01" covers 676 people between 19 and 80 years of age and is being conducted by the Finlay Institute of Vaccines.

According to official data, the study will be randomized, controlled, adaptive and multicenter and aims to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the candidate in a two-dose scheme.

According to the publication, this process should be concluded on January 11th and the results would be available on February 1st to be published on February 15th.

This project was registered on August 13, the day the Center for State Control of Drugs, Equipment and Medical Devices (Cecmed) approved the vaccine candidate for Phase I/II clinical trials.

The day before, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel noted the progress of the Cuban project and showed confidence in the response of the island's science to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Earlier, the head of state 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.