COVID-19 Vaccines Show Promise in Human Trials

Scientists around the globe are rushing to produce a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19. Currently, there are approximately 165 vaccines in development, and of these, 27 have proceeded to human trials.

Vaccines typically require many years of research and development before they reach the clinical trial stage. However, given the devastating, worldwide effects of COVID-19, researchers are working overtime to try and have a vaccine ready by next year.

Promising Outlook

The good news that we need:  COVID-19 vaccines show promise in human trials.  In the past weeks, there has been positive news on the results of several vaccines currently in human trials.

U.S.-based biotech firm Moderna, in conjunction with researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was the first to test a potential vaccine in humans.

The preliminary test results show that the vaccine appears safe, and provoked a promising immune response.

The company announced earlier this month they are moving forward with phase 3 testing that will involve 30,000 participants before the end of July.

Another vaccine developed in a joint venture between Oxford University and British-Swedish drug manufacturer AstraZeneca is also making significant progress and is currently receiving the most attention.

Early Results

This week, Oxford published the results from its first phase of human trials. Tests involved more than 1,000 adults in the UK aged between 18 and 55.

More than 10,000 volunteers in Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom have received the vaccine according to the New York Times, and an estimated 30,000 trial participants in the United States will receive the experimental vaccine in the coming weeks.

So far, the results are incredibly positive. Scientists involved in the vaccine development say it produces “double protection” against the disease. The early results show the vaccine not only creates an immune system response in the form of antibodies, but it also produces T-cells which kill virus-infected cells.

Many governments, impressed with the early results, have already signed agreements with the company to secure their supply of the vaccine when it becomes available.

However, researchers of the UK vaccine called AZD1222, although optimistic, remain cautious and say further clinical studies, including in older adults, are still needed.

Currently, all efforts to develop a vaccine have been focused on the immune response produced by the experimental vaccines. These results are carefully measured and monitored in laboratories. However, further testing is required to determine if the vaccines effectively protect individuals against initial infection.

Looking Ahead

Even though there have been significant advances and in such short time, it is still too early to say when a vaccine will be available to the public.

When it does become available, scientists, manufacturers, international health organizations, and governments will need to work together to determine how to distribute the vaccine equitably, whom to prioritize, and to protect those most at risk.

Altus Infusion salutes the researchers and scientists who work to develop these vaccines and therapies for diseases.