China has developed its first single vaccine that prevents both hepatitis A and B. 

The vaccine to be released into the market costs less than current vaccines for hepatitis A and B.

Research into the vaccine started at the end of 1999. It's hoped the vaccine will narrow China's gap with international hepatitis control and treatment research.

Hepatitis A and B are the major infectious diseases in China and have a negative effect on people's health and social development.

(CRI January 13, 2005)