In the wake of a sudden pause in the final trials of the Astra-Oxford vaccine AZD1222 after one of the recipients in the UK showed adverse symptoms followed by similar steps by Serum Institute of India what implications does this have on global vaccine trials and, on the economy specifically the Indian scenario? While some experts claim that the pause is a routine one and is the second time that it has been halted. In July, the trial was paused for possible safety concerns, but the issue was resolved quickly, and the trial resumed shortly thereafter. While it illustrates the researchers’ commitment towards volunteer safety and high standards of conduct their studies, it is unclear how long it is going to take. WHO terms this as ‘a wake-up call’ to recognize that such ups and downs happen during vaccine trials. Though the direct impact of the Astra/Oxford vaccine halt could be on the timeline for producing the vaccine, the disruption could be a blessing in disguise.
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