HPV jab

CHINA’S drug regulator has approved a domestically developed 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, authorities announced Wednesday.

Wantai Biological Pharmacy’s nine-valent HPV vaccine became the first such China-made jab to receive regulatory approval and also only the second worldwide. The Cecolin 9 can cover seven high-risk and two low-risk HPV viruses, preventing cervical cancer and other diseases caused by the viruses. The jab is available for women aged between 9 and 45 years old, with a two-dose process for those between 9 and 17 and a three-dose process for those between 18 and 45. The only other nine-valent HPV vaccine available worldwide is the Gardasil 9, which is made by Jersey-based Merck, known internationally as Merck Sharp & Dohme. China approved the jab in 2018.

New factory

ZHONGKE Electric said it plans to invest 8 billion yuan (US$1.1 billion) to build a lithium-ion battery anode material factory in Oman.

The plant, located in the Sohar Port and Freezone, will be built in two phases, each with an annual output of 100,000 tons of lithium battery anode materials, the Hunan-based company announced Wednesday. Each phase will have a construction period of 36 months.

Helicopter engine

A CIVIL turboshaft engine, primarily designed for helicopters, has obtained its production license and secured a sales contract, laying a solid foundation for the growth of low-altitude equipment, the Aero Engine Corporation of China announced Thursday.

The AES100 engine represents China’s first independently-developed 1,000 kW-class advanced civil turboshaft engine, achieving full compliance with international airworthiness standards.