China has approved the start of clinical tests for its self-developed human bird flu vaccine.

The vaccine is being jointly developed by the national disease control and research center and a Beijing-based pharmaceutical factory. Over the last few months, the drug has passed laboratory tests and proved effective and safe on mice. Although it's now entered the clinical test phase, it will take some time before mass production can begin.

The State Food and Drug Administration says this go-ahead for the flu drug is another step forward for domestic research and development on pandemic vaccines.