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The Kildare-born teacher who co-designed the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine has said that she has never worked so hard in her life.
“It was all hands-on, seven days a week have passed and there have been no interruptions. It has been relentless. Fortunately, it was worth it, ”Professor Tess Lambe told the Today with Claire Byrne program on RTÉ radio.
“We started on January 10th, that’s when I got the email that helped me co-design a vaccine for the weekend. It was a busy weekend. It’s been a busy year, it’s been absolutely manic.
“Normally, it takes up to 10 years for a vaccine to develop. What we have done are steps at risk and at no time does this imply that we have assumed security risks, they have been monetary risks, that is why we needed a partner like Astra Zeneca and our other partners “.
Greater than expected
The coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca has shown greater than expected efficacy, a historic finding that will raise hopes that there will be a way out of the pandemic for countries that do not have access to the blows of pharmaceutical companies. rivals.
On Monday, Oxford and AstraZeneca said that two different dosing regimens showed different levels of efficacy in late-stage trials in Britain and Brazil.
When the vaccine was given in a half dose, followed by a full dose at least a month later, the efficacy was 90 percent. When the jab was given in two full doses at least a month apart, the efficacy was 62 percent. The average efficacy was 70 percent.
Professor Lambe, who is an associate professor at the Jenner Institute at Oxford University, said it was very important to focus on getting so many vaccines “available” as one vaccine would not cover everyone. “We are very excited to be able to contribute in this way.”
“I think I can speak for the whole team that we are delighted to have come this far so quickly and with such safety and a really good efficiency reading. I think there is some confusion around the 70% and 90% quote, but it just boils down to two different types of regimes as we look at the different results: 70% is when you combine the 90% regime with a regimen. different … that’s why there is a bit of confusion. “
Professor Lambe said her team was committed to preparing up to three billion vaccines by next year. “Having a dosing regimen where we can cut the first dose in half is an advantage. So let’s get more of our money.
Worldwide
“I don’t see it as a homegrown option, we were very committed from the beginning to get an onboard partner, Astra Zeneca, who will provide this vaccine at cost during the pandemic to low- to middle-income countries. We are dedicated to getting our vaccine around the world in the next year. “
When asked if the vaccine would be ready to be implemented before the end of the year, she said that it was not up to her to decide, that was up to the government and government bodies.
“I’ve had my head down trying to make a vaccine for the last year or so, those kinds of policy decisions are not up to me, unfortunately.”
She added: “I have never worked so hard or been so motivated. I’m definitely looking forward to the end of the day when I can have a glass of wine. “
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