French self-esteem hit after Pasteur Institute abandons Covid vaccine

Politicians say project, halted after disappointing trials, a national humiliation' and a sign of decline'

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French politicians have reacted with dismay to news that the prestigious Pasteur Institute is abandoning its main coronavirus vaccine after disappointing test results.

Researchers at the institute said clinical trials on its vaccine had shown it was less successful in combatting the virus than hoped. It had been trying to adapt an existing vaccine used against measles, in partnership with the US company Merck.