New Delhi (NVI): The first set of results from early-stage clinical trials of the University of Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows the vaccine is safe and induces a good immune response.
Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.
According to findings published in the scientific journal, The Lancet, results of the Phase I/II trial indicate no early safety concerns and induces strong immune responses in both parts of the immune system.
The vaccine provoked a T-cell response within 14 days of vaccination (white blood cells that can attack cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus), and an antibody response within 28 days (antibodies are able to neutralise the virus so that it cannot infect cells when initially contracted).
A UK Phase I/II trial began in April testing the Oxford coronavirus vaccine – ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.
The project has started Phase III of the human trials to assess how the vaccine works in a large number of people over the age of 18, and how well the vaccine works to prevent people from becoming infected and unwell with Covid-19.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom also tweeted in this regard and said, “This is very positive news. A huge well done to our brilliant, world-leading scientists & researchers at @UniofOxford. There are no guarantees, we’re not there yet & further trials will be necessary – but this is an important step in the right direction.”
This is very positive news. A huge well done to our brilliant, world-leading scientists & researchers at @UniofOxford.
There are no guarantees, we’re not there yet & further trials will be necessary – but this is an important step in the right direction.https://t.co/PRUTu8rlPF— Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) July 20, 2020
Oxford University is working with the UK-based global bio-pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for further development, large-scale manufacture and potential distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine, with plans for clinical development and production of the Oxford vaccine progressing globally.
Meanwhile, after the initial results of Oxford’s vaccine candidate came out positive, the Serum Institute of India is reportedly eyeing the license for production of the vaccine.
Headed by Adar Poonawala, SII is likely to apply for local trials within a week.
-CHK/ARK
