The first trials of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer and BioNTech, have kicked off in China.

According to manufacturers, if the vaccine is effective and safe, it may be ready for widespread distribution in the US by the end of the year.

The study is part of an international program conducted in Germany, where BioNTech is based. Trial dosing kicked off last month there.

This vaccine uses matrix RNA (mRNA) technology, and it may be one of the first vaccines against a new coronavirus.

Neither the vaccine nor the cure for the COVID-19 exists yet. However, several studies are underway.

By the way, Moderna Therapeutics is developing a vaccine using similar technology. It was founded by well-known businessman Noubar Afeyan, in cooperation with the US government, which has also embarked on the first phase of testing.