Among the many surprises in 2020, the ongoing global pandemic has become one of the most pressing issues. As of September 2020, the United States has surpassed an awful milestone. With over 6.9 million cases, more than 200,000 people in the United States alone have lost their lives due to the CoronaVirus. The disease itself can trigger what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. Alongside complications in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, it creates difficulties for other body systems. However, as overwhelming as this news may sound, hopes of an incoming vaccine are on the horizon. Currently, scientists are in a phase of experimentation, as the population of over 7 billion people is desperately in need of a solution.
Before naming the companies who have reportedly made progress with the vaccine, it is necessary to understand the process that takes place behind the scenes. It starts with three phases of clinical vaccine testing. In Phase 1, small groups of people receive a trial vaccine. If this produces positive results, the next step begins. In Phase 2, people who show characteristics similar to those who have the disease/illness receive the vaccine. The final phase distributes the trial vaccine to thousands of people as they test for safety and efficacy.
Now, what does this all mean? Well, recent information from the company, Johnson & Johnson reports that they have entered the third phase of testing. Despite being one of the later companies to make significant progress, Johnson & Johnson has enrolled the largest number of participants yet with over 60,000 people. The company has also gained attention because of its advanced technology. For example, Johnson & Johnson requires a single shot to administer the vaccine, which is promising news as this is a widespread pandemic. The company has made a surprising decision to release its blueprints behind the trial process. It has revealed their usage of adenoviruses, which carries cells that produce COVID-19 proteins. These proteins eventually prepare the body to fight off infections from the virus.
Unlike previous epidemics, health officials encourage companies to produce multiple forms of vaccination to accommodate a growing global population. Alongside other companies, Johnson & Johnson is beginning to manufacture their results on an industrial scale. As the final phase calls for a large population for testing, the company is planning to recruit individuals over 18 from countries including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States.
The progress has been overwhelmingly fast, and many scientists are amazed to see the developments. Although several aspects of the vaccine process remain in the air, the advancements are astounding. As we wait for promising results shortly, it is critical to stay safe and hopeful.
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