Oct 26 (Reuters) - Early results from tests for a
coronavirus vaccine being developed by the University of Oxford,
in collaboration with AstraZeneca Plc, show it produces
a robust immune response in elderly people, the group at highest
risk, the Financial Times reported on Monday.
It has been discovered that the vaccine triggers protective
antibodies and T-cells in older age groups, the newspaper said https://on.ft.com/3kxKyJI,
citing two people familiar with the finding, encouraging
researchers as they seek evidence that it will spare those in
later life from serious illness or death from the virus.
The findings echo data released in July which showed the
vaccine generated "robust immune responses" in a group of
healthy adults aged between 18 and 55, the newspaper reported,
citing people aware of the results from so-called immunogenicity
blood tests.
But the FT cautioned that positive immunogenicity tests do
not guarantee that the vaccine will ultimately prove safe and
effective in older people.
AstraZeneca, which is developing the vaccine with Oxford
University researchers, is seen as a frontrunner in the race to
produce a vaccine to protect against COVID-19.
Details of the finding are expected to be published shortly
in a clinical journal, the FT said, without naming a journal.
Oxford and AstraZeneca did not immediately respond to
Reuters' request for comments.
(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya in Bengaluru; Editing by Simon
Cameron-Moore)
Astrazeneca (AZN)