The University of Cape Town has collaborated with US immunotherapy company, ImmunityBio, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its hAd5 COVID-19 vaccine as a possible booster shot.
Researchers are hoping it proves to be efficient against possible variants that might emerge in future.
Early data from the local COVID-19 vaccine candidate trial showed that it was safe.
Co-investigator on the trial, Professor Graeme Meintjes, said 45 participants have been enrolled in the first phase of the study at the research site in Khayelitsha since March this year.
“The first part of the study – the first 20 participants – we were looking to enroll people who had not been vaccinated yet, who had not had COVID and then assessed their immune response to the vaccine, and also assess whether they had any significant side effects from the vaccine, and also whether it was safe in that context,” Meintjes said.
Meintjes explained the second group of participants in the hAd5 vaccine candidate study, included people who previously tested positive for COVID-19 to assess the result of boosting their immunity with the jab.
“And more recently we’ve enrolled participants who are healthcare workers who were vaccinated with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. They were enrolled in our study and received the hAd5 vaccine from ImmunityBio, as a booster to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.”
Phase one of the trial is now closed with researchers performing final analysis before the study progresses into its second phase, which will include 60 participants.
-EWN
In other news – Life without Somizi – Inside Mohale Motaung’s Cape Town getaway: PHOTOS
South African actor Mohale Motaung is in the city of Cape Town to host a lunch at Ayoba Cafe today (19 September).
At the beginning of August, audio clips between Mohale Motaung and the producers of Living The Dream With Somizi were leaked. The audio clips revealed Mohale’s big confession — his estranged husband, Somizi Mhlongo allegedly physically and psychologically abused him. Learn More