The Oxford Vaccine trials have now reached Stage 3, a lead researcher told UK Science and Technology Committee last week. The team has developed a prototype virus which is a weakened version of the common cold one. Moreover, this is unable to reproduce itself and so it cannot break away. Let’s catch up on the technology as the Oxford COVID-19 trials enter Stage 3.
Great Optimism as Oxford COVID-19 Trials Enter Stage 3
The prototype virus teaches the subject’s body cells how to recognize and fight the coronavirus, without developing an actual infection. If the project is successful, then we hope they find a new name for their vaccine. That’s because we find even the watered-down abbreviation ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 a real challenge to spell.
The bulk of the 8,000 Stage-3 subjects will be living in the UK. However, 300 people in Brazil, and 2,000 in South Africa will also participate in the test. This is because those two countries are both showing high rates of transmission. However, the scientists are unable to say when the vaccine will be ready to enter market.
More About What We Can Expect with These Trials
The prototype vaccine causes a mild case of upper respiratory infection triggering an immune response. This technology has successfully produced vaccines against Flu, the coronavirus MERS, and Zika / Chikungunya mosquito-borne diseases.
This is something we have to test and follow through over time, lead researcher Prof Sarah Gilbert says. She is optimistic, but must contain her enthusiasm until she sees the data. However, the immunity may only last a few years – perhaps longer – implying regular re-vaccinations may be necessary.
The race is on as the Oxford COVID-19 trials enter Stage 3. The next northern hemisphere winter is on the horizon, when the number of infections will surely rise again.
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