You Can't Hurry Drugs, No, You'll Just Have to Wait

On this week's episode, we apply what we discussed about research studies, specifically clinical trials, to COVID-19 research into vaccines and treatments. We quickly review the phases of clinical trials, and provide a brief overview of the number of vaccine trials in each phase currently. We outline in more detail some key phase 3 vaccine trials that are ongoing, including a review of the status of each trial, the participant groups, and the type of vaccine technology being used. We discuss a new vaccine trial in review in the UK, a human challenge trial, and some of the challenges and risks associated with that. 

We then switch gears to a review of clinical trials for treatments for COVID-19, with a focus on (2) main types: those that attempt to address symptoms of disease, and those that attempt to interfere with the virus itself. We discuss a few notable treatments in each category, with a focus on the recently FDA-approved remdesivir as well as others such as dexamethasone. With no curative treatments or vaccines on the horizon soon, we wrap up with an emphasis that the best course of action is still focusing on prevention!

PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals.  Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual.  As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional.  If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. 

Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance.

RESOURCES

• COVID Vaccine Tracker: One

• COVID Vaccine Tracker: Two

• UK Human Challenge Trial for COVID-19 Vaccines

• World Health Organization Guidelines for Human Challenge Trials

• NIH Guidelines for Treatment of COVID-19

• Clinical Trials for COVID-19

• Repurposing Drugs for Treatment of COVID-19 (Frontiers in Pharmacology)

• Repurposing Drugs for COVID-19 Treatments (Science Article)

• FDA Approval for Remdesivir

• NEJM Publication: Clinical Trial for Remdesivir

• NEJM Publication: WHO Clinical Trial for Selected Antiviral Drugs for Possible Treatment of COVID-19

• Remdesivir as Treatment for Other Viral Infections

• Dexamethasone for Treatment of COVID-19

• Convalescent Plasma FDA Emergency Investigational New Drug

• FDA Emergency Use Authorization for Convalescent Plasma

• Mayo Clinic Study Investigating Effects of Convalescent Plasma for Treating COVID-19

• NIH Statement on Lack of Evidence for Convalescent Plasma Treatment

• Monoclonal Antibody Trials