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ARCoV, also known as the Walvax COVID-19 vaccine, is an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by Walvax Biotechnology, Suzhou Abogen Biosciences, and the PLA Academy of Military Science. It is in Phase III trials in Mexico.

Description
ARCoV is an mRNA vaccine which consists of lipid nanoparticle–encapsulated mRNA encoding the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2. It was the first mRNA vaccine to be approved for clinical trials in China. Manufactured as a liquid, ARCoV is thermostable at room temperature for at least 1 week. Reuters later reported that it can be stored at (2–8 °C) for six months.

Scrips noted that Abogen created its own solid lipid nanoparticle to deliver the vaccine.

Phase I and II trials
Preclinical studies in mice and primates have shown ARCoV elicited a Th1-biased cellular response and robust antibodies against SARS-CoV-22.

In June 2020, Walvax began a Phase I trial to evaluate safety, tolerance, and preliminary immunogenicity with 168 participants aged 18–59 in Hangzhou divided into low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups.

In January 2021, Walvax began a Phase II trial to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of different doses with 420 participants aged 18–59 in Yongfu and Xiangfen divided into low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose, and placebo groups.

Phase III trials
The Phase III trials would enroll an estimated 28,000 participants. Elderly people over 60 years old are planned to comprise 25% of trial participants and randomly assigned into the study group and control group at a ratio of 1:1. Tigermed, a Hangzhou-based clinical research organization, would be responsible for conducting the overseas trials. If successful, production of ARCoV could start in early 3rd quarter 2021.

Reuters reported that Phase III trials in Mexico would involve 6,000 people and start by May 2021. In 2020, Walvax had previously expressed an interest in making the vaccine in Mexico.

Colombia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey are other countries being considered for further trials.

Manufacturing
In December, Walvax started constructing a facility to produce 120 million doses of the vaccine each year.