In a heroic leap for global health, Chinese scientists are tackling one of humanity’s oldest foes: tuberculosis (TB). On #WorldTBDay, Dr. Li Liang, vice president of Beijing Chest Hospital, became the first volunteer to test a cutting-edge mRNA vaccine developed by his team. Could this be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for? 💉
TB remains a top infectious killer worldwide, with delayed diagnoses and outdated vaccines slowing progress. But early trials on this new candidate show jaw-dropping results—it’s over 20x more effective than the century-old BCG vaccine in animal studies. 🐁🔬
“The BCG vaccine is like a dial-up connection in a 5G world,” Dr. Li told CGTN, emphasizing the urgent need for innovation. By rolling up his sleeve as Patient Zero, he hopes to fast-track development: “Every day counts when 1.6 million lives are lost annually.”
China’s multilayered TB strategy—combining national mandates with grassroots outreach—has already slashed cases. Now, with WHO’s 2035 endgame deadline approaching, this vaccine could turbocharge global efforts. 🌏⚡
Science fans, mark your calendars: Results from human trials could drop by late 2024. Will mRNA tech work its magic again after COVID? The world is watching. 👀
