Covid-19 vaccine trials have shown a glimpse of efficacy according to new data. These details were revealed by Dr Rodney Hoff, Clinical Professor, Global Health, Clinical Professor, Env. and Occ. Health Sciences at the University of Washington at a key webinar hosted by the US Embassy.

Covid-19 vaccine trials have been initiated with 21 candidates in Phase 3 clinical trials. Three candidate vaccine did show efficacy namely Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, SinoVac's inactivated vaccine and the Moderna vaccine. 

Over 18 Covid-19 vaccines are in the advanced phase two clinical trials while 139 candidate COVID-19 vaccines are in pre-clinical phase 1 evaluation.

Dr Hoff reiterated that the development of a Covid-19 vaccine is complex in nature and a vaccine by the end of the year could be possible but not likely. However, the public can expect access to the vaccine by 2021.

“There is an urgent need for antiviral drugs to treat COVID-19 infection. Currently, there are no approved drugs to treat the infection. The FDA gave an emergency use authorization (EUA) for use of the antiviral drug, Remdesivir, which was used for the treatment of MERS infection” said Clinical Professor Dr Rodney Hoff.

In a recent clinical study, Remdesivir in combination with the anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib appeared to reduce the time of recovery from Covid-19 symptoms. Additional studies are underway to evaluate the efficacy of other combination of the drug. Other Immunologic treatments being considered include monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasm, immune modulators and stem cells.

SOURCE: ALBILAD