The Department of Health Science, Technology and Education with the National Health and Family Planning Commission announced on Jan 4 that China has opened its first bio-safety level four laboratory, capable of conducting experiments with highly pathogenic microorganisms.

The Wuhan national bio-safety level four lab of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Wuhan P4 lab) is part of Sino-French cooperation in prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases.

Level four is the highest bio-safety level, used for diagnostic work and research on easily transmitted pathogens which can cause fatal disease, including Ebola virus.

The Wuhan P4 lab will conduct research in anti-viral drugs and vaccines.

Source: Xinhua