Research Bristolians wanted to try out potential coronavirus vaccine
UP to 150 people from Bristol will be recruited in the UK’s first human trial of a coronavirus vaccine.
Oxford University launched the Covid-19 testing yesterday, with more than 1,100 volunteers due to take part.
Researchers are only asking for participants in four areas - Greater London, Southampton, the Thames Valley region, and Bristol.
Bristol Children’s Vaccine Centre will host the trial and is working with Bristol University and the team in Oxford to coordinate local volunteers.
Adam Finn, director of the children’s vaccine centre, said: “We are delighted to be supporting our colleagues in Oxford by collaborating on this extremely important study.
“It is one of only four vaccine trials underway worldwide and could pave the way for a vaccine to be delivered later this year.”
The vaccine centre is based at the UBHT Education Centre, directly opposite Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Infectious disease expert Rajeka Lazarus, who is the principle investigator for the study in Bristol, said there are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments for Covid-19.
Dr Lazarus said: “This vaccine aims to turn the virus’ most potent weapon, its spikes, against it - raising antibodies that stick to them allowing the immune system to lock onto and destroy the virus.”
People who want to sign up in Bristol must live in the postcode areas BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, BS6 or BS8, and will be paid £235 if they stick out the study until the end.
They must be healthy, aged between 18 and 55, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and they must not have tested positive for coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation is aware of more than 70 potential vaccines being developed in labs around the world, but few are ready to begin testing on humans.
The Bristol Uncover group, which is a collaboration of academics and researchers working on coronavirus studies in the city, is also investigating potential vaccines.
Their efforts are being led by Bristol biotech company Imophoron, whose chief executive spoke to the Post last week. The Oxford researchers have suggested that their vaccine could be ready as soon as September, but others say it will more likely take 12 or even 18 months.
Two studies in the United States and one in China have also moved to human trials.
In the Oxford study, about half of participants will receive the actual vaccine and the other half will be given a control vaccine, for comparison.
Production has already been scaled up to prepare for larger trials in future and potential deployment if it proves to be a success.
Dr Lazarus added: “By starting vaccine manufacturing scale-up immediately, the team can ensure that enough vaccine doses are available as soon as possible for the next trials, which will include older people and children.
“Those taking part in the trial will play a crucial role in the global search for a vaccine that protects us all, not least frontline NHS workers, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.”
Anyone interested in signing up can visit the study’s website to find out more.