COVID-19: AstraZeneca vaccine trial volunteer dies, authorities say testing to continue

In a major setback amid COVID-19 battle, Brazilian health authority Anvisa on Wednesday said that a volunteer in a clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University has died. AstraZeneca recently developed a potential vaccine for COVID-19 in partnership with Oxford University. World Health Organisation (WHO) called it a frontrunner in race of COVID-19 vaccine development. 

company stated that it h received data from an investigation into matter and ded that  testing of vaccine would continue after volunteer's death. Citing medical confidentiality of those involved in trials, regulator provided furr details. 

It may be ted that pharmaceutical firm h to stop clinical trial last month, after some volunteers experienced unspecified illnesses, t sure wher linked to vaccine or t. company, however, resumed trials after a day or so and is continuing in several countries.

Meanwhile, Brazil has been one of worst-hit countries with over 154,000 deaths by COVID-19, following only United States. In terms of infection, it is third-worst country with more than 5.2 million infected.

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Functioning of AZD1222

COVID-19 vaccine candidate, AZD1222, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca start producing coronavirus spike protein after it enters cells. spike protein prompts immune system to produce antibodies and trigger T-cells to destroy infected cells. If individual encounters vel coronavirus, antibodies and T-cells are activated to fight virus.

Last month, Australian government signed a $1.7 billion supply and production agreement under which University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and University of Queensland/CSL will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses. government struck a deal with CSL Ltd to manufacture two potential coronavirus vaccines - one developed by Oxford University/AstraZeneca and or by CSL’s own labs in collaboration with University of Queensland.

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