AstraZeneca puts leading COVID-19 vaccine trial on hold over safety concern

The final clinical trials of a coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University have been put on hold over safety concerns. According to the information, a participant had an adverse reaction in the UK.

AstraZeneca has called it a "routine" pause in the case of "an unexplained illness". The world is keeping a close eye on the outcome of vaccine trials. AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccine is one of the strong contenders among dozens of vaccines being developed across the globe.

The hopes with the AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccine are high as it could be one of the first to come in the market, the BBC reported. The vaccine candidate had shown positive results in phase 1 and 2 testings.

Phase 3 has involved around 30,000 participants in the US as well as in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa. The Phase 3 trials in vaccines involve thousands of participants and can last several years.

An Oxford University spokesperson was quoted by BBC as saying: "In large trials, illnesses will happen by chance but must be independently reviewed to check this carefully."

Also Read | Sputnik V: Russia releases first batch of its Covid-19 vaccine

Meanwhile, the United States President Donald Trump said that he wants a vaccine available in the US before the election, which is scheduled to be held on November 3. However, his remarks have raised fears that politics may be prioritised over the safety in the rush for a vaccine.

-PTC News