The chief researcher of China's first general-use COVID-19 vaccine was removed from the country's highest organ of power. 

Yang Xiaoming, 62, was expelled from the National People's Congress on April 23 for engaging in serious disciplinary and legal misconduct, according to state media reports over the weekend. 

Scientist Behind Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine Osuted

Yang, who serves as the chairman of Sinopharm's vaccine subsidiary China National Biotec Group, stepped down from his position as one of the nearly 3,000 congressional deputies responsible for making decisions on significant national matters.

Yang also holds the position of chief scientist in the vaccine project as part of China's 863 program, according to China Daily. This program aimed to enhance the country's self-reliance by fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies within China. 

The medical researcher played a pivotal role in leading the Sinopharm team that successfully developed the BBIBP-CorV vaccine. This COVID-19 shot became the nation's first to receive approval for general use, as per SCMP.

Referred to as the Sinopharm vaccine, this particular shot gained significant popularity in China as it was widely administered to combat COVID-19. It has shown an efficacy rate of 79% in preventing hospitalization.

Yang's dismissal has caused a stir on Weibo, China's popular social media platform, with numerous posts raising doubts about the reasons behind his demotion from deputy status. 

The conversation quickly turned into rampant speculation regarding the possible connection between his termination and the Sinopharm vaccine, despite the absence of any supporting evidence.

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China Aims to Combat Corruption in Health Sectors

In the midst of China's extensive efforts to combat corruption in its healthcare sector, numerous investigations have been initiated against a large number of hospital deans and secretaries. This development coincides with the recent announcement regarding Yang.

The healthcare industry in China has faced a long-standing issue of commercial bribery cases between pharmaceutical suppliers and healthcare providers. Recently, the authorities have implemented a rigorous disciplinary campaign to address this problem.

In August, the anti-corruption campaign had a significant impact on the pharmaceutical A-share stocks in China. The stocks experienced a sharp decline, resulting in an estimated loss of $27 billion in market value within just one day.

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