Covid vaccine trials at JNMC, Aligarh Muslim University

Aligarh: One thousand volunteers have been invited to enrol in a series of large-scale clinical trials aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of Covaxine, Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech-led Coronavirus vaccine at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The clinical trials will begin from November 14 and continue till the end of January.

JNMC has enhanced the preparations for the trails after a nod from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

AMU received the confirmation to begin the clinical trials from ICMR on Friday after several days of correspondence, said the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor.

Appealing volunteers from all age groups and socio-economic strata to participate in the clinical trials, Prof Tariq Mansoor said: “By volunteering for a trial or study, you get a chance to participate in groundbreaking research and contribute to developing better cures and treatment options. People from various backgrounds are invited to be part of the solution and help end the pandemic.”

“An ethical committee comprising doctors, social workers and lawyers has already been constituted to manage the clinical trials,” said Prof Shahid Ali Siddiqui (Principal, JNMC).

During the human testing for Covid vaccine at JNMC, the vaccine efficacy will be evaluated in different ways across the trial spectrum. The earlier clinical trials will look for the production of antibodies against the virus, while the late-phase trials will evaluate whether the vaccine in fact prevents people from getting sick. These trials will provide a pivotal demonstration that the vaccine both works and is safe. Volunteers appearing for the trails at JNMC will be given detailed information of the vaccine.

JNMC has also been conducting convalescent plasma therapy for the treatment of Covid-19 patients since August.