PHOENIX – Three clinics in the Valley and one in Tucson will be part of a group of 87 clinics across the country that will conduct Phase 3 trials of the Modern mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine.
The study will analyze 30,000 adult participants at high risk of contracting the coronavirus. The trial is now expected to begin on July 27.
According to clinictrials.gov, the Hope Research Institute locations in Chandler, Phoenix and Peoria will be involved in the trials. Quality of Life Medical and Research Center in Tucson will also be included in research trials.
The mRNA-1273 vaccine is being developed to prevent COVID-19 by producing antibodies against the virus.
Clinicaltrials.gov reports that the study is designed to primarily assess the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 in preventing COVID-19 for up to 2 years after the second dose of mRNA-1273.
Moderna is the first biotech company to start human coronavirus vaccines. Its phase 1 trial began in mid-March.
The recently published results from the New England Journal of Medicine describe a successful Phase I trial for the vaccine. It is currently in Phase II testing, and Dr. Anthony Fauci confirmed Tuesday that the vaccine would move to the third and final phase later in the month.
Participants in the phase 3 trial will receive either the vaccine or a placebo. They will receive two doses 29 days apart. They will be followed for two years to see if they receive COVID-19 or if they have any adverse reactions to the vaccine.
Participants will be routinely screened for antibodies.
Test sites will begin registering people for testing next week, according to Moderna. They hope to have efficacy data for Thanksgiving.
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