AstraZeneca’s Phase 3 Data Is Expected to Be Available by Christmas

On Thursday, AstraZeneca has released data showing positive results from its Phase II COVID-19 vaccine trial. More specifically, it showed positive results among adults over 56 years old.

Oxford University partnered with the pharmaceutical company to develop the vaccine. According to the university, its Phase III trial results will be available by Christmas.

The Phase II trial took place between May 30 and Aug. 8 among 560 adults. Among these adults were 240 individuals who were 70 years old or older. The AstraZeneca trial found that an initial dose of the vaccine “was safe and well-tolerated with a lower reactogenicity profile in older adults than in younger adults.”

“The reason that we’re so delighted is that we’re seeing the immune responses look exactly the same, even in those who are over 70 years of age,” said Oxford Professor of Pediatric Infection and Immunity Dr. Andrew Pollard, to the BBC.

Pollard also said low infection rates slowed the research. However, “Phase 3 trials are now accumulating the data needed to report results as a renewed surge of the pandemic hits countries around the world,” reported Al Jazeera.

“I think we’re getting close, and it’s definitely going to be before Christmas based on the progress,” Pollard told the BBC.

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