A vaccine for high-risk groups such as health care workers could be available as early as this year, faster than initially thought, according to a global group central to the development of a new coronavirus vaccine.
The Oslo-based Alliance for Innovation in Epidemic Prevention, which is funding nine different coronavirus vaccine projects, had previously said the vaccine could be launched within 12 to 18 months, an already ambitious target.
Richard Hatchett, head of the organization, said the assessment did not consider the possibility of companies working closely together to speed up the R&D process, faster recruitment for human trials, and the impact of other factors.
He said in a conference call Monday, "These are all potential opportunities that we're looking at right now to deliver the vaccine sooner than the 12 to 18 months we're talking about."
With the number of people infected with coronavirus approaching 3 million worldwide, there is increasing pressure to develop therapies and vaccines to fight the epidemic. Dozens of companies around the world are developing vaccines, including Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna Inc.
A team led by Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, has begun trials of a potential vaccine, aiming to achieve efficacy results as soon as September. Its production is already underway.
Special Report: Fighting The New Coronavirus
