Doctors begin critical human trials of possible COVID-19 vaccine in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — As major COVID-19 vaccine studies show positive early results, one will hold its next stage of trials in Central Florida, which is part of the new epicenter of the virus.

Local infectious disease experts are now helping lead the worldwide research.

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Orlando Immunology Center Medical Director Dr. Edwin DeJesus shared how the infectious disease practice, known for its work at the forefront of virus treatment, has joined a select few to begin phase 3 human trials for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Just this week, the Orlando study's co-sponsors, Oxford University and drug maker Astra-Zeneca, reported encouraging results in their research of an already existing vaccine, possibly shrinking development from years to months.

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More than 1,0000 volunteers from that early study reported at worst, mild side effects.

Experts said the phase 3 trials are critical to confirming Oxford’s positive results. If successful, researchers predict a COVID-19 vaccine before 2021.

Cox Media Group