TOKYO, Nov 27 (Reuters) - A Japanese health ministry panel on Monday recommended approval for an updated version of Daiichi Sankyo's COVID-19 vaccine, the Kyodo news agency said.

The mRNA-based shot was initially approved as a booster in August, becoming Japan's first home-grown shot for the coronavirus. The vaccine was updated to provide protection against the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant, a contingent for the health ministry to buy 1.4 million doses.

The panel's decision paves the way for full approval by the government.

Separately, the panel recommended approval for a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine for the coronavirus that was submitted by the pharmaceuticals unit of Meiji Holdings , Kyodo said.

Meiji in April acquired the Japanese rights to the shot, developed by San Diego-based Arcturus Therapeutics. (Reporting by Rocky Swift, Editing by Louise Heavens)