London: AstraZeneca and Oxford University have admitted a manufacturing error that raises questions about the initial results of the experimental Covid-19 vaccine. A statement on Wednesday pointed out the mistake. A few days earlier, the company and the university had said that the experimental vaccine was “extremely effective.”
But it did not mention why some of the participants in the study were not vaccinated as much as expected in the first of the two doses of the vaccine. Surprisingly, the group of people who volunteered for the study who were given a lower dose of the vaccine seemed to be much safer than the group who were given the full dose.
AstraZeneca said the vaccine appeared to be up to 90 percent effective in the low-dose group, while the vaccine showed up to 62 percent effective in the group that was given the full two doses. Overall, the pharmaceutical company said the vaccine was up to 70 per cent effective. But the way the results have been reached and the companies have reported, experts have questioned.
Partial results were announced on Monday, part of a larger study in the UK and Brazil. This will determine the best dose of vaccine. The safety and effectiveness of the vaccine will also be tested.
