10,000 UK Volunteers Join Race for New Covid Vaccine
Starting today, 10,000 Brits will be invited to join a major Phase 3 trial for a promising new coronavirus vaccine. This comes as the total number of volunteers signing up to Covid research hits a staggering 250,000.
Novavax Vaccine Trial Kicks Off Across UK
The Phase 3 trial tests the safety and effectiveness of the Novavax vaccine, made by a US biotech firm. Unlike earlier trial stages, Phase 3 involves thousands of participants, giving deeper insight into how well the jab works across all ages and backgrounds.
The study started yesterday at sites across the UK, including Lancashire, the Midlands, Greater Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Belfast. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is running the trial, drawing volunteers from the NHS Vaccine Registry—a database launched in July to link willing volunteers with vital clinical studies.
Calls for More Volunteers, Especially from Minorities and Vulnerable Groups
With more vaccine trials lined up before year-end, researchers are urging more Brits to sign up. They’re especially keen to hear from black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, people aged over 65, and those with underlying health conditions.
“I am incredibly proud of the 250,000 volunteers who have signed up to play their part in the global fight against coronavirus,” said Business Secretary Alok Sharma.
“But we need even more people from all backgrounds and ages to speed up this life-saving research. The more who join, the quicker we can find a safe and effective vaccine and protect millions of lives.”
UK Secures 60 Million Novavax Doses Made on Home Soil
The government has snapped up 60 million doses of the Novavax vaccine, which will be made at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ site in Stockton-on-Tees, northeast England. This local production aims to get vaccines to the public fast once regulators give the green light.
Professor Paul Heath, Chief Investigator for the Novavax Phase 3 trial, said: “This is only the second Phase 3 vaccine trial in the UK, and the first anywhere in the world for Novavax, highlighting the urgency of finding a solution.”
“The vaccine has passed early safety tests, and we’re very encouraged by its performance. The NHS Vaccine Registry has been crucial for finding the right volunteers, especially elderly participants who’ll benefit most.”
Kate Bingham, Chair of the government’s Vaccines Taskforce, added: “While social distancing and testing help, the only long-term way to beat Covid is a safe, effective vaccine that works for most people. Signing up to the NHS Vaccine Registry is a vital way to help us get there faster.”
Gregory M. Glenn, President of Research at Novavax, remarked: “Today marks a huge step forward in fighting Covid across Europe and beyond. Based on our successful flu vaccine platform, we’re hopeful NVX-CoV2373 will prevent infection and curb spread.”
When Could the Vaccine Arrive?
If successful, Covid vaccines could begin rolling out in the UK in 2021. Priority will be given to frontline health and social care staff, ethnic minorities, vulnerable adults, and the elderly—following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Fancy helping Britain beat Covid? Sign up as a volunteer at www.nhs.uk/researchcontact and join the fight today.
