Pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are preparing to resume their phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trials in the U.S., after a brief pause when participants became ill. Johnson & Johnson said in a statement Friday that discussions with the necessary regulatory agencies are underway. That same day, AstraZeneca announced its phase 3 trial had resumed “across the world.” Drug company Eli Lilly has yet to announce the resumption of its COVID-19 vaccine trial after announcing a pause nearly two weeks ago.
Temporary pauses in clinical human trials of new drugs are not uncommon, with most scientists saying it’s a good sign that safety isn’t being sacrificed in the name of speed. According to The New York Times, there are currently 11 ongoing phase 3 human trials of potential COVID-19 vaccines around the world. Several experts have cautiously estimated that one or more COVID-19 vaccinations could be ready for FDA approval before the end of the year. Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief advisor for the White House’s Operation Warp Speed COVID-19 vaccination effort, told ABC News last week that he feels “pretty confident” most Americans can be vaccinated by June 2021.
Two vaccine trials resuming after being paused due to participant illnesses
