A coronavirus vaccine developed in the United Kingdom can prevent 70.4% of people from contracting Covid-19 and up to 90% if a lower dose is used, according to the data.
The University of Oxford and AstraZeneca have announced that their vaccine is effective in preventing many people from getting sick, and it has been shown to work in different age groups, including the elderly. There are early indications that it might also help stop the spread of the disease.
Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said: “Today’s announcement takes us a step closer to when we can use vaccines to end the devastation they’ve caused [Covid-19].
We will continue to work to provide detailed information to the organizers. It has been an honor to be part of this multinational effort, which will reap benefits for the entire world. “
The University of Oxford said that an interim analysis from a Phase III vaccine trial showed their vaccine ‘effectiveness at 70%. But this came from the combination of the results of two different dosing regimens, one of which was 90% and the other 62%. The 90% regimen included a half dose first and then a full dose of the vaccine later. The interim analysis was based on 131 infections between participants who received the vaccine and those in the control group who were given a confirmed injection against meningitis.
Professor Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and lead investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said in a statement: “These results show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives. Interestingly, we found that one of our dosing regimens could be approximately 90% effective and if used. With this dosing regimen, more people can be vaccinated with your planned vaccine supply.
“Today’s announcement is only possible thanks to the many volunteers in our experience, and the talented team of researchers who are working hard around the world.”
He said that if people were given half the dose of Oxford vaccine for the first time followed by a full dose a month later, they would have 90% protection.
He told BBC Radio 4 Today, “There is a hint in the data at the moment that those who got this system with higher protection, there are indications that it was also able to reduce infection without symptoms.” “If this is true, then we might be able to stop the virus in its tracks and stop its transmission between people.”
His colleague, Professor Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said: “Today’s announcement takes us a step further, closer to when we can use vaccines to end the devastation caused by SARS-CoV-2. We will continue to work to provide detailed information to regulators. It was an honor for me to say. I will be part of this multinational effort that will reap benefits for the entire world. “
UK government Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization Publish a list of groups of people who will be prioritized to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. The list is:
1 All those 80 years of age and over who are health and social care workers
2 all of these are 75 and over.
3 all of these are 70 and over.
4 All of those 65 and over.
5 Adults under the age of 65 are at high risk of serious illness and death from Covid-19.
6 Adults under 65 are at moderate risk of serious illness and death from Covid-19
7 all of these are 60 and over.
8 all of these are 55 and over.
9 All of these are 50 and over.
10 rest of the population.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Suriot said: “Today marks an important milestone in our fight against the pandemic. The efficacy and safety of this vaccine confirm that it will be highly effective against Covid-19 and will have an immediate effect on this public health emergency.
“Moreover, the simple supply chain of the vaccine, our pledge, our commitment not to profit, and our commitment to broad, equitable and timely access means that it will be affordable, globally available, and will provide hundreds of millions of doses upon approval.”
The UK has submitted requests for 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine – enough to vaccinate most of the population – with application expected to start in the coming weeks if the vaccine is approved.
It also has orders for 40 million doses of the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech, which have been shown to be up to 95% effective. Another hit from Moderna has a 95% potency, according to trial data.
Australia has ordered 33.8 million doses of the vaccine.
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the data as “really encouraging news”, but stressed that vaccines need approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
He told Sky News: “This is really encouraging news about the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, which we have clearly supported from the start.” And I’m really happy, I really welcome these numbers, these data, which show that a vaccine with the right dose can be 90% effective.
“Of course, it is imperative that the independent regulator, the MHRA, needs to look at the data, and make sure it is effective and safe of course. But we have 100 million doses on demand, and if all goes well, the bulk of the offering will be in the new year.”
He added: “Of course, this vaccine, this local vaccine, is easier to administer like the Pfizer vaccine, because it does not need to be stored in -70. So having two vaccines appear to be effective, and done correctly, in the range of 90%, is really, really , good news “.
There are still more safety checks to come, but these are great results, ”said Boris Johnson.
Business Minister Alok Sharma said the results of the interim analysis of the University of Oxford and the coronavirus candidate in AstraZeneca are “very promising”.
He wrote on Twitter: “Very promising data from the Oxford / AstraZeneca Phase 3 clinical trials. We are on the cusp of a massive scientific breakthrough that could protect millions of lives. The UK has secured early access to 100 million doses of its vaccine – plus 255 million doses from other developers. “.
