WHO says safety 'primary focus' after Johnson & Johnson halts COVID-19 vaccine trials

After Johnson & Johnson suspended its vaccine trials, World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed pleasure over vaccine developers acting by rules. A WHO spokesperson told Russia’s state-run news ncy, Sputnik, that UN ncy believes safety in research is crucial. Johnson & Johnson has temporarily paused Phase 3 clinical trial of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate after one of participants fell sick.

"Safety is primary focus for vaccine clinical trials. When a potentially unexplained illness occurs in a trial participant, which may or may t be related to vaccine being evaluated, it is rigorous, routine practice to investigate," spokesperson said.

 American multinational corporation issued a statement on its official website, saying re is “ greater priority than safety” of people and that it is committed to providing transparent updates of its clinical development process. It ded that study participant showcased an “unexplained illness” which is currently being reviewed and evaluated. 

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J&J Phase 3 trial h started enrolling participants in late September and set a goal of recruiting up to 60,000 volunteers across more than 200 sites in US,  Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and South Africa. US-based pharmaceutical company said that studies are halted to enable “a careful review of all of medical information before deciding wher to restart study.”

Pledge signed by biopharma companies

This is t first time that a biopharma company has paused clinical trials of its vaccine candidate. In September, AstraZeneca also briefly paused human trials due to an unexplained illness in a study participant. decision to put trial on hold came after leing biopharma companies signed a pledge to continue to make safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals top priority in development of first COVID-19 vaccines.

"We are pleased to see vaccine developers ensuring scientific integrity of trials and abiding by standard guidelines and rules for development of vaccines," spokesperson ded.

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(With ANI inputs)