From mass testing to swift lockdowns, Germany has been at the forefront of flattening the COVID-19 curve in Europe. Now, as attention switches to an exit strategy from the pandemic, it is also leading European attempts to find a coronavirus vaccine.

German firm BioNTech, whose vaccine was one of the first to start phase-one human trials, say that mass production may be just months away. The RNA technique used is simpler than other procedures and uses a key genetic messenger found in cells to create protein that the immune system then learns to attack.

"It indicates that the vaccine is able to provide one functionality: the induction of virus-neutralizing antibodies. We must evaluate further functionalities - for example the induction of T-Cell responses, which we will announce in the coming weeks," said Sahin Bontech, co-founder and CEO of the firm.

The technique lends itself to speedy development, but is not without risks: no so-called RNA vaccine has ever been approved by regulators.

Two other firms have been making headlines in the RNA vaccine race. Moderna is from the U.S., but the other is also from Germany. It's called Curevac and in April the state bought a 23 percent stake to keep production within German borders.

"Germany must be an open country regarding investments. But there are certain areas where our stance must be very, very clear," said Peter Altmaier, economy minister.

Meanwhile, researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Munich have come up with a vaccine based on an existing tuberculosis inoculation.

"BCG has been shown to give some cross-protection with viruses – and we think since our vaccine is based on that – we would like to test our vaccine against coronavirus. We want to see if our vaccine can protect people," said Stefan Kaufmann, one of the lead researchers.

There are now 17 clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine under way worldwide, with only Oxford University's in the UK to enter final phase trials.

The European Commission is leading efforts to make sure geography will not make a difference to who gets vaccinated first when one becomes widely available. At a fundraiser last week, the bloc pledged another $6.9 billion, which will go towards ensuring a vaccine's fair distribution.

Most experts agree more than one will be needed anyway. On continental Europe, Germany are again leading the way.

Video editing: David Bamford

Check out The Pandemic Playbook, CGTN Europe's major investigation into the lessons learned from COVID-19.