Some Chinese vaccine makers said they are making progress on new COVID-19 vaccines against the Delta variant. Shenzhen-based Bio-Kangtai said it has successfully isolated the Delta variant, marking the beginning of the production of a vaccine.

Meanwhile, both Sinopharm and Sinovac have begun vaccine research. Sinovac said it is preparing to ask drug regulators in China and abroad for permission for clinical research and emergency use of its vaccine against the Delta variant.