Dundee is only Scottish city to take part in latest covid-19 vaccine trial

Dundee is to become the only area in Scotland to work on the latest coronavirus vaccine trial.

Researchers are looking for 400 people across Tayside and Fife to take part in the final stages of a study led by pharmaceutical firm Janssen.

The project will see volunteers receive two injections of the trial vaccine within a two-month period.

If successful, the vaccine could play a pivotal role in reducing Covid-19 rates around the world.

Professor Jacob George from the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine and R&D Director for NHS Tayside, said, “It is a real testament to the R&D capability of the University and NHS Tayside to be selected to lead this trial in Scotland on behalf of Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

“Here we have the expertise and dedication to determine the efficacy of a vaccine that has the potential to help return the world to some semblance of normality again, but we cannot do this without the help of the public.

“While there has been some encouraging news this week about the development of a vaccine, it is widely acknowledged that we will need multiple vaccines if we are to bring this virus under control.

This trial, therefore, is critically important and we are calling on people across Tayside and Fife to help us to potentially bring an end to this pandemic.”

Recruitment into the study will complete in March 2021 and the trial will last for 12 months.

The Janssen vaccine will be the third to be trialled in the UK, along with the Oxford/AstraZeneca candidate, and one from US biotech company Novavax.

Dr Philip Short, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Ninewells Hospital, said, “Our study gives the people of Tayside and Fife the opportunity to get involved in Covid-19 vaccine research.

“This is the first study using this potential vaccine to be trialled in the UK and focuses on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in tackling Covid-19. We would encourage anyone to get in touch with us about our vaccine study. Together we can help to eliminate Covid-19.”

Dr Gregor Smith, interim Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, said, “This is the third vaccine trial to open in Scotland and is part of a portfolio of research studies to better understand the virus and drive progress in finding effective treatments, diagnostics and vaccines.

“Whilst recent developments on a potential vaccine are encouraging; we must make sure other clinical trials into Covid-19 vaccines and treatments continue.

“NHS Tayside, along with other sites across the UK, will be participating in the Janssen Covid-19 vaccine study using volunteers recruited through the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry. The ongoing commitment of research teams and participants, and the coordinated response to these studies via NHS Research Scotland is vital to drive further progress.”

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