CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Cambridge-based biotech company, Moderna, says they’ve seen positive data in phase-one testing for their coronavirus vaccine.
This was as the company begins human trials of their mRNA vaccine. It is being administered to trial participants in three different dosage sizes.
All of the subjects who were injected with doses of 25 micrograms and 100 micrograms developed antibodies in their blood.
Researchers found that antibodies developed in eight of the subjects, "actually could neutralize the virus and prevent its ability to infect human cells," Moderna Therapeutics President Stephen Hoge told CBS This Morning.
Overall, Moderna said the vaccine seemed to be "generally safe and well tolerated." One participant in both the low and medium doses developed redness at the injection site. However, the high-dose level of 250 micrograms saw three participants develop "grade 3 systemic symptoms, only following the second dose."
When discussing their projected timeline for the vaccine, Moderna said they are moving on to phase two, with the goal of starting phase three by early summer.
"Our goal is to have that vaccine available for broad distribution by year end or early next year," Hoge said."If we and others build data that shows that the vaccine has a potential for benefit, that it's safe and has a potential for efficacy, then of course there are circumstances where the vaccine could be deployed to high-risk populations earlier under something called an 'Emergency Use Authorization.' Really though, that's a decision that regulators, in particular the FDA, have to make."
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