Oxford University's COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Promising Results in Phase I/II Trial

Strategic Insights -

Results from a Phase I/II trial published in The Lancet indicate that Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, also known as AZD1222, has shown no early safety concerns and induced strong immune responses in both parts of the immune system. The vaccine provoked a T cell response within 14 days of vaccination and an antibody response within 28 days, with 100% of participants' blood having neutralising activity against the coronavirus after a booster dose. The next step in studying the vaccine is to confirm that it can effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Phase I/II trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 involved over 1,000 healthy adult volunteers aged 18-55 years and showed no serious adverse health events related to the vaccine.
  • The vaccine induced a T cell response within 14 days of vaccination and an antibody response within 28 days, with neutralising activity against the coronavirus observed in 100% of participants after a booster dose.
  • A subset of 10 participants received two doses of the vaccine, which showed the strongest immune response.
  • The vaccine is being developed by the University of Oxford and its spin-out company, Vaccitech, in collaboration with AstraZeneca for further development, large-scale manufacture, and potential distribution.
  • Oxford and AstraZeneca are collaborating with clinical partners around the world as part of a global clinical programme to trial the Oxford vaccine, with multiple Phase III trials underway in the US, Europe, Brazil, and South Africa.
  • The vaccine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with temporary side effects such as a temperature, flu-like symptoms, headache, or sore arm reported in some participants.
  • More than 2 billion doses of the vaccine have been committed to be supplied to several countries and international vaccine alliances, pending successful completion of late-stage clinical trials.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,000 healthy adult volunteers aged 18-55 years participated in the Phase I/II trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.
  • 1077 volunteers received the vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or a placebo MenACWY vaccine between April 23 and May 21, 2020.
  • 10 participants received two doses of the vaccine, showing the strongest immune response.
  • The vaccine has been given to more than 4,000 people to date, with no serious adverse health events reported.
  • AstraZeneca has committed to supply more than 2 billion doses of the vaccine, pending successful completion of late-stage clinical trials.

Sources:

  • Vaccitech Ltd news release, July 20
  • The Lancet, "Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 trial in healthy adults"
  • University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine trial website: https://covid19vaccinetrial.co.uk/home