Oxford University-developed COVID-19 vaccine shows "equal effectiveness in young and elderly"

Phase 2 Clinical Trial Results Announced... Similar Effects Observed Across Youth, Middle-aged, and Elderly Groups

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford on September 18 (local time) to inspect the experimental facilities. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] A new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine being developed by a research team at the University of Oxford in the UK has been shown to have the same effect on both young and middle-aged adults and the elderly. It is expected to be particularly beneficial for the elderly, who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

According to local media such as the BBC on the 19th (local time), the Oxford research team published these Phase 2 clinical trial results in the medical journal The Lancet. The clinical trial was conducted by dividing 560 volunteer participants into age groups of 18?55, 56?69, and 70 and above.

As a result, similar levels of neutralizing antibodies and T cells were formed across all age groups. Antibodies prevent the virus from entering cells, while T cells identify and destroy cells already infected by the virus. For a vaccine to be successful, a dual defense of antibodies and T cells is necessary. According to the study, 99% of participants across all age groups showed a neutralizing antibody response after the second dose. T cells peaked two weeks after the first dose.

It is particularly encouraging that the vaccine showed the same effect in the elderly. Typically, the elderly have weaker immune systems, resulting in lower vaccine efficacy compared to younger people. Dr. Maresi Ramasamy, a member of the research team, said, "The elderly are a priority group for the COVID-19 vaccine, but their response is usually weaker. We are pleased to have found that the vaccine we are developing is effective in the elderly as well." He added, "Further verification is needed to confirm whether this immune response can provide a protective barrier against the actual virus." So far, no serious side effects have been detected with this vaccine.

Earlier, the Oxford research team began developing the vaccine called 'AZD1222' or 'ChAdOx1 nCoV-19' in January. It was developed in three months and started human trials in Europe for the first time in April. Phase 3 clinical trials have been underway since August. The developed vaccine is expected to be produced by the multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.