Researchers at the University of Oxford's Jenner Institute are optimistic about their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which has shown strong results in macaque trials. Human clinical trials involving thousands are set to begin by late May 2020.
As of late April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had surpassed 3.2 million cases and 230,000 deaths worldwide, according to the latest assessments. While most vaccine efforts target 2021 completion, a New York Times article on April 27 highlighted Oxford's progress toward a potential September rollout.
The Jenner Institute developed a vaccine candidate that underwent rigorous testing at a U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) lab in Montana. Six rhesus macaques received a single dose and were exposed to the virus; all remained healthy a month later, unlike unvaccinated controls that developed the disease.
These primate results pave the way for human trials. By the end of May 2020, over 6,000 volunteers are expected to participate. Dr. Vincent Munster, a key researcher, urges caution pending full analysis and peer review.
While rhesus macaques are the closest animal model to humans, success in primates doesn't guarantee human efficacy. Positive trial data could enable initial doses by September, with production scaling to millions.
The rapid progress stems from prior human safety data from similar coronavirus trials last year and swift UK regulatory approval.
In contrast, Johnson & Johnson announced plans for a billion doses, but their candidate lacks human trial data to date.
