Experts at the University of Oxford said the first results of coronavirus vaccine trials could by ready as early as mid-June, as the institution announced a new partnership with drug giant AstraZeneca.
The agreement with the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company will allow for rapid large-scale distribution of the vaccination around the world if the candidate proves to be effective, the university said.
Sir John Bell, the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University, described the partnership as a “major force in the struggle against pandemics” for the foreseeable future.
“By June, July we will already have a very good idea of the direction of travel in terms of its potential efficacy,” CEO Pascal Soriot told the BBC on Thursday.
“We’ll continue working with the Oxford Vaccine Unit to bring it to patients and to regulatory authorities first of all as soon as possible,” he added.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said it was “hugely welcome news” that Oxford University had come to an agreement with the company to scale up its vaccine programme.
He tweeted: “The Oxford vaccine is one of the most advanced in the world. Bringing together the best British science and the best of British business will give us the best possible shot at a vaccine.
“The science is uncertain, and no vaccine may work, but this deal gives the UK the best chance we can of a breakthrough that could defeat this awful virus.
“I’m sending best wishes for good fortune to all involved – for the sake of the nation and indeed the whole world.”
Dr Charlie Weller, the Wellcome Trust’s head of vaccines, said: “If we are to get the Covid-19 vaccine the world so desperately needs within a year, we need to start building manufacturing capacity now, so it’s very encouraging to see preparations underway.
“But this effort must be global, not national. As long as Covid-19 is out of control somewhere, it is a threat everywhere.”
The Independent