Research on the infection of healthy volunteers is expected to accelerate the development of the Covid vaccine
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON – British researchers are preparing to begin a controversial experiment by infecting healthy volunteers with the coronavirus. The hope is that this can accelerate the development of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Approach called challenge study it’s quite risky. But a number of researchers think it may give faster results than standard studies.
The study observed whether volunteers following the experiment became sick or not. The British government is reportedly ready to spend 33.6 million pounds for the research.
Imperial College London said the study would involve healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30. The research was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Energy and Strategic Industries, the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and the company conducting the hVivo research.
“Intentionally infecting volunteers with what are known as human pathogens is never taken lightly, but this study provides a wealth of information about diseases, even those that have been as widely studied as Covid-19,” said research investigator Peter Openshaw, Tuesday (20 / 10).
In the first phase of the study, researchers will look for the smallest level of exposure that causes disease. Then the researchers used the same model to find out how a potential vaccine works in the body and how the body responds to it.
Vaccine Task Force Chair Kate Bingham said the research would add to understanding of the coronavirus. It will also help make decisions about research.
“There is a lot we can learn about immunity, the duration of vaccine protection and reinfection,” said Bingham in the statement.
sumber: AP
– .
