Johnson &amp; Johnson has temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants became sick.

"We have temporarily paused further dosing in all our Covid-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including the &nbsp;Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant," the company said in a statement.

The pause means the online enrollment system has been closed for the 60,000-patient clinical trial while the independent patient safety committee is convened.

The participant's illness is being reviewed and evaluated by an independent data and safety monitoring board as well as the company's clinical and safety physicians, the company added.

J&amp;J, which reports quarterly financial results on Tuesday morning, said that such pauses are normal in big trials, which can include tens of thousands of people.

However, J&amp;J's move follows a similar one by AstraZeneca Plc. In September, AstraZeneca paused late-stage trials of its experimental coronavirus vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, due to an unexplained illness in a UK study participant.

While trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India have resumed, the US trial is still on hold pending a regulatory review.

Last month, J&amp;J said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced a strong immune response against the novel coronavirus in an early-to-mid stage clinical trial, following which the company kicked off a final 60,000-person trial, whose results had been expected by the end of this year or early 2021.

Johnson &amp; Johnson declined to elaborate about the illness due to privacy concerns. It did say that some participants in studies get placebos, and it was not always clear whether a person suffering a serious adverse event in a clinical trial received a placebo or the treatment.

(with inputs)

Johnson & Johnson has temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants became sick. "We have temporarily paused further dosing in all our Covid-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant," the company said in a statement.

Johnson & Johnson has temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants became sick. "We have temporarily paused further dosing in all our Covid-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant," the company said in a statement. The pause means the online enrollment system has been closed for the 60,000-patient clinical trial while the independent patient safety committee is convened. The participant's illness is being reviewed and evaluated by an independent data and safety monitoring board as well as the company's clinical and safety physicians, the company added. J&J, which reports quarterly financial results on Tuesday morning, said that such pauses are normal in big trials, which can include tens of thousands of people. However, J&J's move follows a similar one by AstraZeneca Plc. In September, AstraZeneca paused late-stage trials of its experimental coronavirus vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, due to an unexplained illness in a UK study participant. While trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India have resumed, the US trial is still on hold pending a regulatory review. Last month, J&J said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced a strong immune response against the novel coronavirus in an early-to-mid stage clinical trial, following which the company kicked off a final 60,000-person trial, whose results had been expected by the end of this year or early 2021. Johnson & Johnson declined to elaborate about the illness due to privacy concerns. It did say that some participants in studies get placebos, and it was not always clear whether a person suffering a serious adverse event in a clinical trial received a placebo or the treatment. (with inputs)

Johnson & Johnson pauses Covid vaccine trial as participant becomes ill

Johnson & Johnson halts COVID-19 vaccine trial as participant falls ill

Johnson & Johnson said Monday it had temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants had become sick

Johnson & Johnson pauses Covid vaccine trial as participant falls ill

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said life will only be back to normal once a second generation of Covid-19 vaccine becomes available.

Gates told NBC that normalcy can return “when we have, not the first generation of vaccines, but one that is super-effective”.&nbsp;

He said the second generation vaccine should also be widely available, adding only then "all the problems created by Covid-19 can be solved".

Gates’ comments come in the wake of the global race for a coronavirus vaccine.

Earlier in April, Gates said the world will need a year or two to overcome the ravages of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The first coronavirus vaccine was registered on August 11 -- Sputnik V, made in Russia.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes that a vaccine will be ready for registration by the end of 2020 or early next year at the earliest.

Soumya Swaminathan, the WHO chief scientist, said on Monday: "As you know, we have about 40 vaccine candidates now in some stage of clinical trials, and 10 of them are in the phase three trials, which are the late-stage clinical trials, which will tell us about both the efficacy and the safety. So, the best we could make a guess or predict, looking at when a trial started and when it is likely to have enough data to submit to the regulators, is [at] earliest from December of 2020 into the early part of 2021."

Countries have been developing dozens of vaccines since the start of the outbreak earlier this year, but none have passed the WHO-approved phase 3 trials so far.&nbsp;

Many vaccines are expected to be registered with the WHO by the end of the year.

To date, more than 37 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 1.07 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.

(with inputs)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said life will only be back to normal once a second generation of Covid-19 vaccine becomes available. Gates told NBC that normalcy can return “when we have, not the first generation of vaccines, but one that is super-effective”.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said life will only be back to normal once a second generation of Covid-19 vaccine becomes available. Gates told NBC that normalcy can return “when we have, not the first generation of vaccines, but one that is super-effective”. He said the second generation vaccine should also be widely available, adding only then "all the problems created by Covid-19 can be solved". Gates’ comments come in the wake of the global race for a coronavirus vaccine. Earlier in April, Gates said the world will need a year or two to overcome the ravages of the pandemic. The first coronavirus vaccine was registered on August 11 -- Sputnik V, made in Russia. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes that a vaccine will be ready for registration by the end of 2020 or early next year at the earliest. Soumya Swaminathan, the WHO chief scientist, said on Monday: "As you know, we have about 40 vaccine candidates now in some stage of clinical trials, and 10 of them are in the phase three trials, which are the late-stage clinical trials, which will tell us about both the efficacy and the safety. So, the best we could make a guess or predict, looking at when a trial started and when it is likely to have enough data to submit to the regulators, is [at] earliest from December of 2020 into the early part of 2021." Countries have been developing dozens of vaccines since the start of the outbreak earlier this year, but none have passed the WHO-approved phase 3 trials so far. Many vaccines are expected to be registered with the WHO by the end of the year. To date, more than 37 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 1.07 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. (with inputs)

Normalcy will return only with second generation of Covid-19 vaccine: Bill Gates

China said on Friday it has formally joined the global COVID-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX. With this, it has become the biggest economy to back the initiative to date.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that China has ample COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capabilities and will prioritise supplying developing countries when vaccines are ready.

The COVAX facility, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021.

China currently has four coronavirus vaccine candidates in stage 3 clinical trials.

The country signed an agreement with GAVI, the co-leader of the alliance, on Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Initially, China did not agree to join the alliance, missing the global deadline to join in September.

The country's leader Xi Jinping previously said that China would make the vaccine a global public good.

The alliance is designed so that richer countries agree to buy into potential vaccines and help finance access for poorer ones. The Trump administration in the US had declined to join the alliance.

China said on Friday it has formally joined the global COVID-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX. With this, it has become the biggest economy to back the initiative to date.

China said on Friday it has formally joined the global COVID-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX. With this, it has become the biggest economy to back the initiative to date. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that China has ample COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capabilities and will prioritise supplying developing countries when vaccines are ready. The COVAX facility, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021. China currently has four coronavirus vaccine candidates in stage 3 clinical trials. The country signed an agreement with GAVI, the co-leader of the alliance, on Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Initially, China did not agree to join the alliance, missing the global deadline to join in September. The country's leader Xi Jinping previously said that China would make the vaccine a global public good. The alliance is designed so that richer countries agree to buy into potential vaccines and help finance access for poorer ones. The Trump administration in the US had declined to join the alliance.

China joins COVAX vaccine facility for COVID-19

A vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, without elaborating.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the end of a two-day meeting of its Executive Board on the pandemic, said: “We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There is hope.”

Nine experimental vaccines are in the pipeline of the WHO-led COVAX global vaccine facility that aims to distribute 2 billion doses by the end of 2021.

A vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, without elaborating. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the end of a two-day meeting of its Executive Board on the pandemic, said: “We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine.

A vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, without elaborating. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the end of a two-day meeting of its Executive Board on the pandemic, said: “We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There is hope.” Nine experimental vaccines are in the pipeline of the WHO-led COVAX global vaccine facility that aims to distribute 2 billion doses by the end of 2021.

COVID-19 vaccine may be ready by year-end: WHO's Tedros

Supply deals have so far been agreed for 5.3 billion doses, of which 2.7 billion (51 percent) have been bought by developed countries, territories and regions, including the US, UK, Europe

Rich countries secured deals for 51% of COVID-19 vaccine supply

"We need a vaccine for everybody, everywhere - in affordable conditions - because we will only be safe if everybody is safe.", Tweets United Nations.

'COVID-19 vaccine must be affordable and available to all', highlights UN

Russia's sovereign wealth fund has agreed to supply 100 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik-V, to Indian drug company Dr Reddy's Laboratories

Russia to sell 100 million COVID vaccine doses to India

British scientists are set to begin a small study comparing how two experimental coronavirus vaccines might work when they are inhaled by people instead of being injected.

Previous studies have shown vaccines delivered by inhalation require lower doses than by injection, which might help stretch limited supplies.

Researchers at Imperial College London and Oxford University said on Monday they were testing on 30 people vaccines developed by both institutions when participants inhale the droplets in their mouths, which would directly target their respiratory systems.

This study aims to see if the vaccines might be more effective if they are inhaled, they added.

The study is currently recruiting participants aged 18 to 55 and hopes to begin vaccinating people in London in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

Last week, Oxford temporarily paused its large-scale vaccination tests after one participant in the UK reported severe neurological symptoms. It was restarted on Sunday.&nbsp;

British scientists are set to begin a small study comparing how two experimental coronavirus vaccines might work when they are inhaled by people instead of being injected.

British scientists are set to begin a small study comparing how two experimental coronavirus vaccines might work when they are inhaled by people instead of being injected. Previous studies have shown vaccines delivered by inhalation require lower doses than by injection, which might help stretch limited supplies. Researchers at Imperial College London and Oxford University said on Monday they were testing on 30 people vaccines developed by both institutions when participants inhale the droplets in their mouths, which would directly target their respiratory systems. This study aims to see if the vaccines might be more effective if they are inhaled, they added. The study is currently recruiting participants aged 18 to 55 and hopes to begin vaccinating people in London in the coming weeks. Last week, Oxford temporarily paused its large-scale vaccination tests after one participant in the UK reported severe neurological symptoms. It was restarted on Sunday.

UK to test if COVID-19 vaccines might work better inhaled

US President Donald Trump’s daughter and White House advisor, Ivanka has accepted TV show host Joy Behar's challenge, saying she would be willing to make an appearance on The View talk show and get administered with a COVID vaccine on live television.

"Deal @JoyVBehar. I would come on your show to do so. I trust the FDA and so should all Americans. Vanquishing this virus should be our collective top priority," Ivanka Trump tweeted.

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Deal <a href="https://twitter.com/JoyVBehar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoyVBehar</a>. I would come on your show to do so. 
 
I trust the FDA and so should all Americans. Vanquishing this virus should be our collective top priority. <a href="https://t.co/FXb0Dqjdio">https://t.co/FXb0Dqjdio</a>
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Trump on Monday hinted that a vaccine would be available before November's election, as he accused his Democratic rivals for the White House of undermining public confidence in the immunisation.

Behar then expressed distrust in vaccine development under the Trump administration, while Trump's rivals accused him of rushing the process to field a vaccine before November's election.

“Its not a simple thing to do. He (Donald Trump) would push anything to get re-elected. Don’t fall for it, and by the way, I would take the vaccine if Ivanka takes it,” Behar was heard saying on the show.

Vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris also said she would not take Trump's word on the safety and efficacy of an anti-virus vaccine, if one were ready before the US presidential vote.

Trump has often faced intense pressure and scrutiny over his handling of the pandemic in the United States. This also has clouded his re-election prospects. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump’s daughter and White House advisor, Ivanka has accepted TV show host Joy Behar's challenge, saying she would be willing to make an appearance on The View talk show and get administered with a COVID vaccine on live television.

US President Donald Trump’s daughter and White House advisor, Ivanka has accepted TV show host Joy Behar's challenge, saying she would be willing to make an appearance on The View talk show and get administered with a COVID vaccine on live television. "Deal @JoyVBehar. I would come on your show to do so. I trust the FDA and so should all Americans. Vanquishing this virus should be our collective top priority," Ivanka Trump tweeted. Deal @JoyVBehar. I would come on your show to do so. I trust the FDA and so should all Americans. Vanquishing this virus should be our collective top priority. https://t.co/FXb0Dqjdio — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) September 10, 2020 × Trump on Monday hinted that a vaccine would be available before November's election, as he accused his Democratic rivals for the White House of undermining public confidence in the immunisation. Behar then expressed distrust in vaccine development under the Trump administration, while Trump's rivals accused him of rushing the process to field a vaccine before November's election. “Its not a simple thing to do. He (Donald Trump) would push anything to get re-elected. Don’t fall for it, and by the way, I would take the vaccine if Ivanka takes it,” Behar was heard saying on the show. Vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris also said she would not take Trump's word on the safety and efficacy of an anti-virus vaccine, if one were ready before the US presidential vote. Trump has often faced intense pressure and scrutiny over his handling of the pandemic in the United States. This also has clouded his re-election prospects.

Ivanka Trump accepts TV show host's COVID vaccine challenge

Novavax Inc expects filing for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the United States in December, Chief Executive Stanley Erck said in an interview for Czech daily Hospodarske Noviny, released on Thursday.

The company plans to produce part of the vaccine at its Czech plant, which will give the country access to the product once it is approved, the paper cited Erck as saying.

Novavax said on Monday it had begun enrolling volunteers for the second phase of an ongoing clinical trial of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, with interim data expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Novavax Inc expects filing for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the United States in December, Chief Executive Stanley Erck said in an interview for Czech daily Hospodarske Noviny, released on Thursday.

Novavax Inc expects filing for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the United States in December, Chief Executive Stanley Erck said in an interview for Czech daily Hospodarske Noviny, released on Thursday. The company plans to produce part of the vaccine at its Czech plant, which will give the country access to the product once it is approved, the paper cited Erck as saying. Novavax said on Monday it had begun enrolling volunteers for the second phase of an ongoing clinical trial of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, with interim data expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Novavax CEO expects filing for Covid vaccine approval in December: Report 

Russian Energy Minister&nbsp;Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday.

The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference&nbsp;by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies.

"Unfortunately, Alexander Valentinovich Novak has been taken ill with the coronavirus", Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

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Novak received the report after arriving in Blagoveshchensk to attend the meeting and the opening&nbsp;of a huge petro-chemical project near the Chinese border. He immediately left for Moscow after that.

"He arrived and he has left for Moscow. With all our hearts, we wish him a recovery," said Mishustin.

However, Novak will still be attending the video conference of the&nbsp;OPEC+ group including Russia, an energy ministry spokesperson told the local media.

Novak is not the first to test positive from the Russian ministers.&nbsp;Leaders such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prime Minister&nbsp;Mikhail Mishustin and other lawmakers have earlier tested positive.

Few days ago Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed that Russia has produced world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday. The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday. The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies. "Unfortunately, Alexander Valentinovich Novak has been taken ill with the coronavirus", Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. × Novak received the report after arriving in Blagoveshchensk to attend the meeting and the opening of a huge petro-chemical project near the Chinese border. He immediately left for Moscow after that. "He arrived and he has left for Moscow. With all our hearts, we wish him a recovery," said Mishustin. However, Novak will still be attending the video conference of the OPEC+ group including Russia, an energy ministry spokesperson told the local media. Novak is not the first to test positive from the Russian ministers. Leaders such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and other lawmakers have earlier tested positive. Few days ago Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed that Russia has produced world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Energy Minister tests positive for coronavirus hours before OPEC meeting

A Brazilian technology institute signed a deal on Wednesday to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine, despite state health authorities expressing concerns over the effectiveness and safety of the drug.

Government-run Parana's Technology Institute, known as Tecpar signed the deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-mexico-to-produce-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-320099">Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine</a>

"This is a very objective memorandum of understanding on technological exchange. It does not impose obligations, it simply enables us to work together," Jorge Callado, head of Tecpar said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-scepticism-russia-says-will-produce-5-million-vaccine-doses-by-december-january-320006">Amid scepticism, Russia says will produce 5 million vaccine doses by December-January</a>

RDIF said that the objective of the deal is to "organise the production of the Sputnik V vaccine and its distribution in Brazil and other Latin American countries."

Sputnik V is yet to receive regulatory approval from Brazil and officials from Parana have said that Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine are to be done before the production kicks off.&nbsp;

However, the institute has said that the vaccine could be imported earlier than the production date if it gets approval from Brazil's federal health regulator Anvisa.

Meanwhile, health experts and former officials on Tuesday expressed their concerns over the safety of the vaccine, which was not a part of massive human trials to convince many professionals of its safety.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Sputnik V has been given state approval as the drug to treat coronavirus, adding that his daughter has also received a shot of the vaccine and felt "well".&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A Brazilian technology institute signed a deal on Wednesday to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine, despite state health authorities expressing concerns over the effectiveness and safety of the drug.

A Brazilian technology institute signed a deal on Wednesday to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine, despite state health authorities expressing concerns over the effectiveness and safety of the drug. Government-run Parana's Technology Institute, known as Tecpar signed the deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Also read | Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine "This is a very objective memorandum of understanding on technological exchange. It does not impose obligations, it simply enables us to work together," Jorge Callado, head of Tecpar said. Also read | Amid scepticism, Russia says will produce 5 million vaccine doses by December-January RDIF said that the objective of the deal is to "organise the production of the Sputnik V vaccine and its distribution in Brazil and other Latin American countries." Sputnik V is yet to receive regulatory approval from Brazil and officials from Parana have said that Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine are to be done before the production kicks off. However, the institute has said that the vaccine could be imported earlier than the production date if it gets approval from Brazil's federal health regulator Anvisa. Meanwhile, health experts and former officials on Tuesday expressed their concerns over the safety of the vaccine, which was not a part of massive human trials to convince many professionals of its safety. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Sputnik V has been given state approval as the drug to treat coronavirus, adding that his daughter has also received a shot of the vaccine and felt "well".

Brazilian state signs deal to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given nod to the Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, developed by the University of Oxford, in the country.

Government officials told PTI that the approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials by the SII was granted by DCGI Dr V G Somani late Sunday night after a thorough evaluation based on the recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19.

As a rapid regulatory response, the expert panel at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on Friday, after a detailed deliberation and considering the data generated on the vaccine candidate in phase 1 and 2 of the Oxford University trial, had recommended granting permission for phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the potential vaccine, "Covishield", on healthy adults in India, the officials said.

"The firm has to submit safety data, evaluated by the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), to the CDSCO before proceeding to phase 3 clinical trials," a senior official said.

"As per the study design, each subject will be administered two doses four weeks apart (first dose on day one and second dose on day 29) following which the safety and immunogenicity will be assessed at predefined intervals," the official said.

Currently, phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate is going on in the United Kingdom, phase 3 clinical trial in Brazil and phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in South Africa.

The officials said that the SII had submitted a revised proposal on Wednesday after the expert panel on Tuesday, following deliberation over its application, had asked it to revise its protocol for the phase 2 and 3 clinical trials besides seeking some additional information.

The panel has also recommended that the clinical trial sites which have been proposed for the study be distributed across India.

According to the revised proposal, 1,600 people aged above 18 years will participate in the trials across 17 selected sites, including AIIMS Delhi, B J Medical College in Pune, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS) in Patna, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, AIIMS-Jodhpur, Nehru Hospital in Gorakhpur, Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysore.

"According to the application, it would conduct an observer-blind, randomised controlled study to determine the safety and immunogenicity of ''Covishield'' on healthy Indian adults," the official said.

The SII, which has partnered with AstraZeneca, for manufacturing the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19 had submitted its first application to the DCGI on July 25 seeking permission for conducting the phase 2 and 3 trials of the potential vaccine.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given nod to the Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, developed by the University of Oxford, in the country.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given nod to the Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, developed by the University of Oxford, in the country. Government officials told PTI that the approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials by the SII was granted by DCGI Dr V G Somani late Sunday night after a thorough evaluation based on the recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19. As a rapid regulatory response, the expert panel at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on Friday, after a detailed deliberation and considering the data generated on the vaccine candidate in phase 1 and 2 of the Oxford University trial, had recommended granting permission for phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the potential vaccine, "Covishield", on healthy adults in India, the officials said. "The firm has to submit safety data, evaluated by the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), to the CDSCO before proceeding to phase 3 clinical trials," a senior official said. "As per the study design, each subject will be administered two doses four weeks apart (first dose on day one and second dose on day 29) following which the safety and immunogenicity will be assessed at predefined intervals," the official said. Currently, phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate is going on in the United Kingdom, phase 3 clinical trial in Brazil and phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in South Africa. The officials said that the SII had submitted a revised proposal on Wednesday after the expert panel on Tuesday, following deliberation over its application, had asked it to revise its protocol for the phase 2 and 3 clinical trials besides seeking some additional information. The panel has also recommended that the clinical trial sites which have been proposed for the study be distributed across India. According to the revised proposal, 1,600 people aged above 18 years will participate in the trials across 17 selected sites, including AIIMS Delhi, B J Medical College in Pune, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS) in Patna, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, AIIMS-Jodhpur, Nehru Hospital in Gorakhpur, Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysore. "According to the application, it would conduct an observer-blind, randomised controlled study to determine the safety and immunogenicity of ''Covishield'' on healthy Indian adults," the official said. The SII, which has partnered with AstraZeneca, for manufacturing the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19 had submitted its first application to the DCGI on July 25 seeking permission for conducting the phase 2 and 3 trials of the potential vaccine.

Oxford COVID vaccine: Serum institute gets nod for Phase 2, 3 human trials

As the global race for a COVID-19 vaccine heats up, how close are we to a vaccine? And which country will get it first? Watch: Vaccine Wars, Explained, a Wion Wideangle special

WION Wideangle | Vaccine wars explained | WION | COVID-19 Vaccine

The Trump administration’s $765 million loan to the Eastman Kodak Co. for its launch of a business making pharmaceutical ingredients sent shares of the iconic camera company soaring.

Kodak re-brands itself as drug maker amid COVID pandemic

In the latest non-human trial for US companies, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine protected 16 monkeys against COVID-19. Watch report.

Human trials begins for Moderna vaccine: Successful on monkey

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-tightens-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-fresh-outbreaks-316363">ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks</a> 
 
Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus.

At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission.

"Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing.

"It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume."

He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries.

While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level.

Don't 'release pressure'

They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide.

"Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up."

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul.

"What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters.

"Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said.

"Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading.

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus. At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures. But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission. "Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing. "It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume." He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries. While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level. Don't 'release pressure' They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide. "Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up." Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul. "What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters. "Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said. "Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping international borders sealed unsustainable Covid-19 strategy: WHO

Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US&nbsp;officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-inc-to-begin-final-testing-stage-of-coronavirus-vaccine-on-30000-volunteers-in-july-305148">ALSO READ | Moderna Inc to begin final testing stage of coronavirus vaccine on 30,000 volunteers in July</a> 
 
The trial is the first such late-stage study under the Trump administration's program to speed development of measures against the novel coronavirus, adding to hope that an effective vaccine will help end the pandemic. Shares of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna rose 9%. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-signs-agreement-with-moderna-for-potential-covid-19-vaccine-306725">ALSO READ | Israel signs agreement with Moderna for potential COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Moderna has received nearly $1 billion from the U.S. government, which is helping to bankroll several vaccine candidates under its Operation Warp Speed program.

More than 150 coronavirus vaccine candidates are in various stages of development, with some two dozen prospects having advanced to human testing.

"Having a safe and effective vaccine distributed by the end of 2020 is a stretch goal, but it's the right goal for the American people," National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins said in a release announcing the start of the large Phase III trial.

Manufacturers are ramping up production while testing is underway in order to respond as soon as possible to virus, which is still spreading rapidly around the world. COVID-19 has killed more about 650,000 people worldwide and battered economies.

Moderna could have tens of millions of doses ready when and if the vaccine is deemed safe and effective, Collins told reporters on a call.

The large late-stage trial is designed to evaluate the safety of Moderna's mRNA-1273 vaccine and determine if it can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses.

Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, said a readout from the trial could come by November, December, or even earlier. Fauci said he was "not particularly concerned" about the vaccine's safety after seeing data from earlier, smaller trials.

The study also seeks to determine whether the vaccine can prevent coronavirus-related deaths.

Trial volunteers will receive two injections about 28 days apart of either 100 micrograms of mRNA-1273 or a placebo.

Results of a small early-stage study published earlier this month showed volunteers who got two doses of Moderna's vaccine had levels of virus-killing antibodies that exceeded the average seen in people who had recovered from COVID-19.

Moderna said it remains on track to deliver about 500 million doses a year, and possibly up to 1 billion doses a year, beginning 2021.

Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators.

Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators. ALSO READ | Moderna Inc to begin final testing stage of coronavirus vaccine on 30,000 volunteers in July The trial is the first such late-stage study under the Trump administration's program to speed development of measures against the novel coronavirus, adding to hope that an effective vaccine will help end the pandemic. Shares of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna rose 9%. ALSO READ | Israel signs agreement with Moderna for potential COVID-19 vaccine Moderna has received nearly $1 billion from the U.S. government, which is helping to bankroll several vaccine candidates under its Operation Warp Speed program. More than 150 coronavirus vaccine candidates are in various stages of development, with some two dozen prospects having advanced to human testing. "Having a safe and effective vaccine distributed by the end of 2020 is a stretch goal, but it's the right goal for the American people," National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins said in a release announcing the start of the large Phase III trial. Manufacturers are ramping up production while testing is underway in order to respond as soon as possible to virus, which is still spreading rapidly around the world. COVID-19 has killed more about 650,000 people worldwide and battered economies. Moderna could have tens of millions of doses ready when and if the vaccine is deemed safe and effective, Collins told reporters on a call. The large late-stage trial is designed to evaluate the safety of Moderna's mRNA-1273 vaccine and determine if it can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, said a readout from the trial could come by November, December, or even earlier. Fauci said he was "not particularly concerned" about the vaccine's safety after seeing data from earlier, smaller trials. The study also seeks to determine whether the vaccine can prevent coronavirus-related deaths. Trial volunteers will receive two injections about 28 days apart of either 100 micrograms of mRNA-1273 or a placebo. Results of a small early-stage study published earlier this month showed volunteers who got two doses of Moderna's vaccine had levels of virus-killing antibodies that exceeded the average seen in people who had recovered from COVID-19. Moderna said it remains on track to deliver about 500 million doses a year, and possibly up to 1 billion doses a year, beginning 2021.

Moderna's COVID vaccine could be ready for use by year end: US 

Pharma companies are going after profits during the pandemic. Similarly, rich countries are looking after their self-interest. The UK has signed deals to secure 190 million vaccine doses, which is more than it requires

Gravitas: Who Is Making Profits During The Pandemic

Internationally, the race to find coronavirus vaccine is turning into a war.&nbsp;

India, on the other hand is secure in its self-knowledge. Whosoever comes up first in this vaccine race, India will be asked for its mass production.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-wars-us-accuses-russian-hacker-group-apt29-of-trying-to-steal-data-314092">Coronavirus vaccine wars: US accuses Russian hacker group APT29 of trying to steal data</a>

One out of the three vaccines produced in the world is made in India. This has put India in a special position, but added great responsibility too.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-cadila-aims-to-complete-trial-of-coronavirus-vaccine-by-march-313985">India's Cadila aims to complete trial of coronavirus vaccine by March</a>

Around the world, there are over 140 vaccine candidates and only 11 so far have reached the stage of human trials.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-the-worlds-vaccine-producer-314138/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

From India, two candidates have made it to the human trials: Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D.&nbsp;

India may or may not win this race, but no vaccine would succeed without India.&nbsp;

This is because discovering a vaccine is only half the battle won, the second, an equally important task is to manufacture them in great numbers.&nbsp;

To make vaccine accessible to all countries, mass production would be required with affordable prices.&nbsp;

And this responsibility rests on India's shoulders.&nbsp;

Every year, India produces three billion doses of vaccine and the cost of production and clinical trials are the lowest in the world.&nbsp;

For instance, the vaccine of rotavirus, a gastro-infection that particularly affects children is made 15 times cheaper by India.&nbsp;

The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, makes more than 1.5 billion doses every year and the vaccines are exported to 170 countries.&nbsp;

The institute's role in eradication of polio must also be highlighted.&nbsp;

If Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine gets a green signal, the company says, in one year, it can produce 700-800 billion doses.&nbsp;

And that too for 13 dollars, the cheapest in the world.&nbsp;

Bill Gates says only India is the country that can produce the vaccine for the entire world.&nbsp;

In April, even China admitted India's pharmaceutical prowess.&nbsp;

Currently, at least six Indian pharmaceutical companies are working with global institutes, which means no just one, but multiple COVID-19 vaccines could be made in India.&nbsp;

To sum it up, the Wuhan virus vaccine, developed anywhere in the world, it will be made in India.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Internationally, the race to find coronavirus vaccine is turning into a war. India, on the other hand is secure in its self-knowledge. Whosoever comes up first in this vaccine race, India will be asked for its mass production.

Internationally, the race to find coronavirus vaccine is turning into a war. India, on the other hand is secure in its self-knowledge. Whosoever comes up first in this vaccine race, India will be asked for its mass production. Also read | Coronavirus vaccine wars: US accuses Russian hacker group APT29 of trying to steal data One out of the three vaccines produced in the world is made in India. This has put India in a special position, but added great responsibility too. Also read | India's Cadila aims to complete trial of coronavirus vaccine by March Around the world, there are over 140 vaccine candidates and only 11 so far have reached the stage of human trials. From India, two candidates have made it to the human trials: Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D. India may or may not win this race, but no vaccine would succeed without India. This is because discovering a vaccine is only half the battle won, the second, an equally important task is to manufacture them in great numbers. To make vaccine accessible to all countries, mass production would be required with affordable prices. And this responsibility rests on India's shoulders. Every year, India produces three billion doses of vaccine and the cost of production and clinical trials are the lowest in the world. For instance, the vaccine of rotavirus, a gastro-infection that particularly affects children is made 15 times cheaper by India. The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, makes more than 1.5 billion doses every year and the vaccines are exported to 170 countries. The institute's role in eradication of polio must also be highlighted. If Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine gets a green signal, the company says, in one year, it can produce 700-800 billion doses. And that too for 13 dollars, the cheapest in the world. Bill Gates says only India is the country that can produce the vaccine for the entire world. In April, even China admitted India's pharmaceutical prowess. Currently, at least six Indian pharmaceutical companies are working with global institutes, which means no just one, but multiple COVID-19 vaccines could be made in India. To sum it up, the Wuhan virus vaccine, developed anywhere in the world, it will be made in India.

As global vaccine race intensifies, India has a crucial responsibility

UK, United States and Canada accused Russia on Thursday of trying to steal research-based information from experts and scientist seeking a COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-engulfs-united-states-florida-new-epicentre-313851">Also read: Coronavirus pandemic engulfs United States; Florida new epicentre</a> 
 
Government-backed Russian hacking group was blamed for this ongoing cyber-espionage against organizations involved in the development of coronavirus vaccines and other health-care-related work, reflecting an escalation of security risks at a crucial time in the global response to the pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-malaysias-surgical-glove-maker-over-forced-labour-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-313836">Also Read:&nbsp;US sanctions Malaysia's surgical glove maker over forced labour amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

All three countries have attributed the attack to a group named APT29, also known as Cozy Bear.

Britain’s National Cybersecurity Centre made the announcement, which was coordinated with authorities in the US and Canada.

The countries have said that this cyber-attack was almost certainly operating as part of Russian intelligence services.

"We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic," said Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Director of Operations Paul Chichester.

Cybersecurity researchers said an APT29 hacking tool was used against clients located in the United States, Japan, China and Africa over the last year.

Russian news agency RIA cited spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying the Kremlin rejected London`s allegations, which he said were not backed by proper evidence.

It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.&nbsp;

“While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the U.K. and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health.”

In a separate announcement, Britain also accused "Russian actors" of trying to interfere in its 2019 election by trying to spread leaked documents online. Russia`s foreign ministry said those accusations were "foggy and contradictory".

Britain is expected to publish a long-delayed report into Russian influence in British politics next week.&nbsp;

Private-sector cybersecurity researchers who had spotted the WELLMESS malware over the last year were unaware of its Russian origins until Thursday.

In several cases, WELLMESS was found within U.S. pharmaceutical companies, said three investigators familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential information. The tool allowed hackers to stealthily gain remote access to secure computers. They declined to name the victims.

Britain and the United States said in May that networks of hackers were targeting national and international organisations responding to the pandemic. But such attacks have not previously been explicitly connected to the Russian state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UK, United States and Canada accused Russia on Thursday of trying to steal research-based information from experts and scientist seeking a COVID-19 vaccine. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic engulfs United States; Florida new epicentre Government-backed Russian hacking group was blamed for this ongoing cyber-espionage against organizations involved in the development of coronavirus vaccines and other health-care-related work, reflecting an escalation of security risks at a crucial time in the global response to the pandemic.

UK, United States and Canada accused Russia on Thursday of trying to steal research-based information from experts and scientist seeking a COVID-19 vaccine. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic engulfs United States; Florida new epicentre Government-backed Russian hacking group was blamed for this ongoing cyber-espionage against organizations involved in the development of coronavirus vaccines and other health-care-related work, reflecting an escalation of security risks at a crucial time in the global response to the pandemic. Also Read: US sanctions Malaysia's surgical glove maker over forced labour amid coronavirus pandemic All three countries have attributed the attack to a group named APT29, also known as Cozy Bear. Britain’s National Cybersecurity Centre made the announcement, which was coordinated with authorities in the US and Canada. The countries have said that this cyber-attack was almost certainly operating as part of Russian intelligence services. "We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic," said Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Director of Operations Paul Chichester. Cybersecurity researchers said an APT29 hacking tool was used against clients located in the United States, Japan, China and Africa over the last year. Russian news agency RIA cited spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying the Kremlin rejected London`s allegations, which he said were not backed by proper evidence. It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. “While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the U.K. and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health.” In a separate announcement, Britain also accused "Russian actors" of trying to interfere in its 2019 election by trying to spread leaked documents online. Russia`s foreign ministry said those accusations were "foggy and contradictory". Britain is expected to publish a long-delayed report into Russian influence in British politics next week. Private-sector cybersecurity researchers who had spotted the WELLMESS malware over the last year were unaware of its Russian origins until Thursday. In several cases, WELLMESS was found within U.S. pharmaceutical companies, said three investigators familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential information. The tool allowed hackers to stealthily gain remote access to secure computers. They declined to name the victims. Britain and the United States said in May that networks of hackers were targeting national and international organisations responding to the pandemic. But such attacks have not previously been explicitly connected to the Russian state. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Britain, Canada accuse Russia of hacking Covid-19 vaccine research

The much-awaited COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford has raised hopes after Phase one human trials showed some encouraging trends.&nbsp;

Blood samples taken from a group of volunteers who were involved in the study showed the vaccine stimulated antibodies and "killer T-cells", the Daily Telegraph reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8-world-leaders-demand-equal-global-access-to-coronavirus-vaccine-313620">8 world leaders demand equal global access to coronavirus vaccine</a>

Previous research has suggested T-cells can last in the body for years and help combat the viruses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pharma-industry-capable-of-producing-covid-19-vaccines-for-entire-world-bill-gates-313652">Indian pharma industry capable of producing COVID-19 vaccines for entire world: Bill Gates</a>

However, some experts also said only further trials could give a clear picture.&nbsp;

"Virtually any vaccine inevitably does this," Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at the Imperial College London, said, reported Guardian, referring to the generation of antibodies and T-cells.&nbsp;

However, Dr Zania Stamataki, a senior lecturer in viral immunology at the University of Birmingham, said though the questions remains, the findings are a "very encouraging sign".&nbsp;

Some scientists have declined to comment and are waiting for the full publishing of results of the study on medical journal Lancet on Monday.&nbsp;

Also, experts said if the vaccine can generate immunity, the key would be to see for how long the immunity stands.

Recent studies have suggested that patients who have COVID-19 antibodies after getting recovered from the disease saw a signifcant fall in the number of antibodies over the three-month period.&nbsp;

US-based Moderna, producer of another leading COVID-19 vaccine candidate, said on Tuesday that it is all set to kick-off the final stage of human trials on July 27.&nbsp;

The much-awaited COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford has raised hopes after Phase one human trials showed some encouraging trends. Blood samples taken from a group of volunteers who were involved in the study showed the vaccine stimulated antibodies and "killer T-cells", the Daily Telegraph reported.

The much-awaited COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford has raised hopes after Phase one human trials showed some encouraging trends. Blood samples taken from a group of volunteers who were involved in the study showed the vaccine stimulated antibodies and "killer T-cells", the Daily Telegraph reported. Also read | 8 world leaders demand equal global access to coronavirus vaccine Previous research has suggested T-cells can last in the body for years and help combat the viruses. Also read | Indian pharma industry capable of producing COVID-19 vaccines for entire world: Bill Gates However, some experts also said only further trials could give a clear picture. "Virtually any vaccine inevitably does this," Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at the Imperial College London, said, reported Guardian, referring to the generation of antibodies and T-cells. However, Dr Zania Stamataki, a senior lecturer in viral immunology at the University of Birmingham, said though the questions remains, the findings are a "very encouraging sign". Some scientists have declined to comment and are waiting for the full publishing of results of the study on medical journal Lancet on Monday. Also, experts said if the vaccine can generate immunity, the key would be to see for how long the immunity stands. Recent studies have suggested that patients who have COVID-19 antibodies after getting recovered from the disease saw a signifcant fall in the number of antibodies over the three-month period. US-based Moderna, producer of another leading COVID-19 vaccine candidate, said on Tuesday that it is all set to kick-off the final stage of human trials on July 27.

COVID-19 vaccine: Oxford university's phase one human trials shows encouraging trends

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