A coronavirus vaccine tested for the first time in humans is safe and induces a rapid immune response, researchers at China’s CanSino Biologics Inc recently reported in The Lancet medical journal.
These results represent an important milestone. The trial demonstrates that a single dose of the new adenovirus type 5 vectored COVID-19 (Ad5-nCoV) vaccine produces virus-specific antibodies and T cells in 14 days, making it a potential candidate for further investigation.
The Lancet medical journal published the article on 22 May.
Blood samples from a group of 108 vaccinated adults showed both neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses against the novel coronavirus in most of those tested. Further studies will be needed to confirm whether the vaccine protects against infection.
Other coronavirus vaccine from Moderna (USA based) appears safe in humans also. ♦
