George Washington University to Participate in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

Strategic Insights -

The George Washington University (GW) is participating in a clinical trial for an investigational COVID-19 vaccine, as part of the COVID-19 Prevention Network established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The university will serve as a trial site for a Phase 3 clinical trial of the mRNA-1273 vaccine, co-developed by NIAID scientists and the biotechnology company Moderna, Inc. This trial aims to test the vaccine's safety and efficacy in humans, with the goal of developing a safe and effective tool to prevent COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GW will participate in a Phase 3 clinical trial of the mRNA-1273 vaccine, which uses a chemical messenger called ribonucleic acid (RNA) to instruct the body's cells to create a protein that mimics one found on the outer surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • The trial aims to enroll 500 participants at GW, out of 30,000 volunteers nationwide, and will include a diverse group of participants from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
  • The researchers hope to include one-quarter of participants who are 65 or older, or younger than 65 but have at least one comorbidity like heart disease, severe obesity, or diabetes.
  • The participants will receive two injections, spaced one month apart, and will be monitored for symptoms, side effects, and COVID-19 for two years after the second dose of the vaccine.
  • Infectious disease specialists at the GW Medical Faculty Associates will direct clinical activities, and the study will be conducted in partnership with the Milken Institute SPH and the NIH-funded GW HIV Prevention Trials Network clinical research site.

Statistics:

  • 30,000 volunteers will be enrolled in the clinical trials nationwide.
  • 500 participants will be enrolled in the trial at GW.
  • 25% of participants will be 65 or older, or younger than 65 but have at least one comorbidity like heart disease, severe obesity, or diabetes.
  • Participants will be monitored for symptoms, side effects, and COVID-19 for two years after the second dose of the vaccine.

Sources:

  • George Washington University news release.
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH).