SARS-CoV2 vaccines: Slow is fast
Year: 2020
Type: editorial
Abstract: Douglas R. Green
Catastrophic numbers of infections, morbidities, and mortalities during the COVID-19 pandemic, together with the disastrous impact on world economies, have mandated a historically unparalleled effort to produce an effective vaccine. There are currently 95 vaccines in development against SARS-CoV2, the causative virus of COVID-19 ( 1 ), with several in or entering clinical trials. Most of these are expected to clear phase 1, and two experimental vaccines have moved into phase 2 trials.
An effective vaccine is the best route to a return to “normalcy.” The only alternatives are widespread, systematic testing of the population with rigorous tracing of contacts or readily available therapeutics to effectively treat infection and disease. Until the pandemic is resolved, social distancing, isolation, and personal protective equipment remain the best defense against infection.
The need to develop a vaccine is urgent, but most estimates conclude that even if trials are successful, an effective vaccine will not be widely available for 12 to 18 months. Much of the required time is related to the pace of proper clinical trials. Studies are usually first needed in experimental animals. However, nonhuman primates rarely display severe symptoms, and critical disease is also not observed in other species, including genetically engineered mice.
Clinical trials …
Source: Science Advances
Author: Douglas R. Green
Institution: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W3028518031