The world held its collective breath when AstraZeneca paused its Oxford COVID-19 vaccine trials. That’s because this is one of our most promising hopes of halting the pandemic, and returning to a better normal. The White House made a grant of up to $1.2 billion to warp speed the process. Therefore it’s great news the AstraZeneca trials are continuing in UK.
Why AstraZeneca Trials Are Continuing in UK Now
It is normal practice to monitor people enrolled on a medical trial. This is because we need to satisfy ourselves the drug is safe for commercial use. If we find a drug has unpleasant side effects, then we can reduce the consequential damage. However, in most cases symptoms that that arise are coincidental.
This appears to have been the case of the Oxford vaccine candidate who developed transverse myelitis. This is an infection of the spinal cord that transmits messages from the brain. There is no known cure for the disease according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Some patients recover fully. Others suffer permanent impairment.
What We Do Know Happened in This Particular Situation
The fact AstraZeneca trials are continuing in UK suggests the infection was coincidental. However, we will never know for sure because of the imperative to protect patient confidentiality. What we do know is AstraZeneca says an independent committee has completed its investigations. And has advised the trials are safe to continue, according to NPR News.
However, this does not automatically mean the Oxford vaccine trials will continue in other medical jurisdictions, including United States. AstraZeneca is liaising with other health authorities around the world, and updating trial investigators and participants. This incident is proof safety systems work. Therefore it is twice good news the AstraZeneca trials are continuing in the UK.
Related
Oxford Vaccine Makes Antibodies and T-Cells
Oxford COVID-19 Trials Enter Stage 3
Preview Image: Oxford Vaccine Laboratory
