TOKYO: KM Biologics Co. plans to put its COVID-19 vaccine into practical use by the end of 2022 for booster shots for fully vaccinated people, the company’s president, Toshiaki Nagasato, said Monday.

“We want to bring out one (COVID-19 vaccine) with a high level of safety soon. We’re considering if we can make an application next spring or summer,” Nagasato told a news conference in Tokyo.

KM Biologics, based in the southwestern Japan city of Kumamoto, is currently developing an inactivated novel coronavirus vaccine. An inactivated vaccine is being used against influenza virus infection.

“We can make a vaccine with a high degree of safety that can be administered to children,” Nagasato said.

Earlier this month, KM Biologics started the middle phase of a clinical trial to confirm the safety of its COVID-19 vaccine. The company is expected to launch a clinical test for booster shots by the end of this year.

A clinical trial of its COVID-19 vaccine for children is scheduled to take place next year, with the company planning to examine the effectiveness in Asian regions by comparing it with existing vaccines.

JIJI Press