Pair of COVID-19 vaccine candidates move on to next trial phases

A COVID-19 trial vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca produced neutralizing antibody responses in patients with SARS-CoV-2, according to a study published July 20 in The Lancet. An immune response was detected in 32 of 35 participants after one dose and in all participants after a booster dose.

The trial will now proceed to phases two and three. Oxford/AstraZeneca in May announced it will provide the U.S. with 300 million initial doses and the U.K. 100 million initial doses this fall.

In a separate vaccine study by CanSino Biologics, also released today, a phase two test in Wuhan, China, showed an immunity response in 508 participants. The study said healthy adults may only need one dose, while older adults may need two to induce a better immune response. Results showed minimal adverse reactions; the candidate will now move to phase three testing.