A dedicated team of scientists at Oxford University has been working on the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial and millions of doses of the jab could be available before the end of 2020, according to the company.
The UK can expect to receive 19 million doses of the AstraZeneca and Oxford University jab by the end of this year, the head of the pharmaceutical giant has said.
Tom Keith-Roach, president of AstraZeneca UK, said a further 15 million doses could be ready by the end of the year alongside the four million doses that are already on standby.
A researcher works on the trial
It comes as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency begins to analyse phase three data from the clinical trial scientists, which shows the jab is up to 90% effective.
Read again: How does the Oxford University vaccine work
In an interview with the PA news agency, Mr Keith-Roach said: “When it comes to the UK, the UK government were one of the first governments around the world, in May, to step forward with a supply agreement.
“So we agreed with the UK to supply 100 million doses as part of a three billion (global) commitment by the end of next year.
“Where we stand today is we have four million doses available right now and we’ve got enough active that we think we will be able to make a further 15 million available to the UK by the end of this year.
“Subject to regulatory approval, it could actually be 19 million doses by the end of this year (to the UK)."
Prof Andrew Pollard
Professor Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and Chief Investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said "These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives.
Read more: Oxford University coronavirus vaccine is 70% effective
"Excitingly, we’ve found that one of our dosing regimens may be around 90% effective and if this dosing regimen is used, more people could be vaccinated with planned vaccine supply. Today’s announcement is only possible thanks to the many volunteers in our trial, and the hard working and talented team of researchers based around the world.’
Professor Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said: "The announcement today takes us another step closer to the time when we can use vaccines to bring an end to the devastation caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Prof Sarah Gilbert
"We will continue to work to provide the detailed information to regulators. It has been a privilege to be part of this multi-national effort which will reap benefits for the whole world.’
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