London: The COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc produces a robust immune response in elderly people, the group at highest risk, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing early results.
The vaccine triggers protective antibodies and T-cells in older age groups, the FT said, citing two people familiar with the finding, encouraging researchers as they seek evidence that it will spare those in later life from serious illness or death from the virus.
Details of the finding are expected to be published shortly in a clinical journal, the report said, without naming the publication.
The findings echo data released in July which showed that the vaccine generated “robust immune responses” in a group of healthy adults aged between 18 and 55.
The newspaper, however, cautioned that positive immunogenicity tests do not guarantee that the vaccine will ultimately prove safe and effective in older people
AstraZeneca, which is developing the vaccine with Oxford University researchers, is seen as a frontrunner in the race to produce a vaccine to protect against COVID-19.
