Oxford scientists expect Covid-19 vaccine data by Christmas

LONDON: University of Oxford scientists expect to report results from the late-stage trials of their coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine by Christmas, a key researcher said Thursday as he discussed the team’s latest findings.

Dr. Andrew Pollard, an expert in pediatric infection and immunity at Oxford, said research was slowed by low infection rates over the summer, but the Phase III trials are now accumulating the data needed to report results as a renewed surge of the pandemic hits countries around the world. Oxford is developing its vaccine in conjunction with the drugmaker AstraZeneca.