Human trial for COVID-19 vaccine launched by Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson has confirmed the initiation of a human trial for a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States and Belgium following successful results in monkeys during the pre-clinical phase. The U.S. government is backing this vaccine project with a substantial $456 million investment. However, the big question remains: will the African continent have access to or participate actively in this crucial vaccine trial? Ludovic de Beaucoudrey, the Medical Affairs Director at Janssen South Africa, shed light on the subject in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. De Beaucoudrey highlighted the progress made by Johnson & Johnson in the vaccine development process. He emphasized that the company's vaccine candidate has shown significant effectiveness with just a single dose in pre-clinical trials with monkeys, leading to the commencement of phase one and two clinical trials in humans in Belgium and the United States, with plans to expand to other European nations in the near future. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson is ramping up its global manufacturing capacity to ensure the production of one billion vaccine doses by early next year, contingent upon the vaccine's safety and efficacy being established. The COVID-19 vaccine race is fiercely competitive, with over 165 programs in progress globally, including 25 in human clinical trials. De Beaucoudrey emphasized Johnson & Johnson's longstanding commitment to vaccine research and development, citing the company's successful track record with vaccines for Ebola, HIV, RSV, and Zika. He expressed confidence in the safety and efficacy of their vaccine platform, which has been tested in over 80,000 individuals worldwide. Amidst the global effort to combat the pandemic, Johnson & Johnson is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the quest for a viable vaccine. Addressing the issue of vaccine trials in Africa, De Beaucoudrey stressed the importance of identifying suitable locations for clinical trials based on factors such as disease prevalence, demographics, and regulatory considerations. As South Africa grapples with a high number of COVID-19 cases surpassing 500,000, the inclusion of the continent in vaccine trials remains a critical focus for Johnson & Johnson. The company is actively working to ensure that the best locations worldwide are selected for the development of their vaccine programs, with a commitment to global accessibility and impact. In conclusion, Johnson & Johnson's progress in the COVID-19 vaccine development is a significant milestone in the fight against the pandemic. The company's dedication to ensuring global access to a safe and effective vaccine, including in regions most severely impacted by the virus, underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating COVID-19. As the world eagerly awaits the results of the ongoing clinical trials, the inclusion of diverse populations, including those in Africa, will be crucial in the successful development and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.