TUCSON, Ariz. – The Quality of Life Research and Medicine Center in Tucson will be one of 87 clinics across the country that will conduct Phase 3 trials of the Moderna 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.
The mRNA-1273 vaccine is being developed to prevent COVID-19 by producing antibodies against the virus.
According to Clinicaltrials.gov, the study is designed to primarily assess the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 to prevent 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.
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.
Quality of Life Medical and Research Center is located in downtown Tucson.
This is the second COVID-19 trial to take place in Tucson. Last week, AZ Clinical Trials announced a new antibody assay, hoping to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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