THE EFFECT of one of the worlds first coronavirus vaccines is showing a 'strong immune response' among adults, researchers have said.
Human trials have been ongoing on the AstraZeneca and Oxford University Covid vaccine for some months now, and is currently on advanced phase III trials.
According to an update from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, the effect from the vaccine has so far been "encouraging", showing an immune response among both the elderly and younger people.
A spokesperson for AstraZeneca said it was "encouraging to see immunogenecity responses were similar between older and younger adults".
Participants in the vaccine trials include adults aged 56-69 and those over 70, as well as younger participants-- a full report on Phase II of the trials is expected to be published in a medical journal in the coming weeks.
"Our ongoing trials will provide further data, but this marks a key milestone and reassures us that the vaccine is safe for use and induces strong immune responses in both parts of the immune system in all adult groups," the university said.
Work on the vaccine is being led by Professor Adrian Hill, an Irish vaccinologist who previously developed treatments for Ebola and malaria.
Trials were paused earlier this month when a participant died suddenly, however it was found his sad death was unrelated to the vaccine trials and they have since returned.
The Oxford Vaccine is one of 10 in the world currently at the most advanced stage of trials, and is a contender to become the first to go into mass production.
See More: Adrian Hill, Coronavirus, Covid-19, Oxford Vaccine
