TUCSON (KVOA) – There are new signs of hope on the horizon for those suffering from COVID-19 or worries about loved ones being infected while testing for a vaccine in Tucson continues.
“Operation Warp Speed” was launched with the aim of creating a vaccine for COVID-19. While this operation is making world headlines, the subjects are expected to continue in the Old Pueblo, with the Quality of Life Medical and Research Center taking hundreds of cases.
The fact that he could play a large part in developing a vaccine brought Tucson’s own, Dr. John McGettigan to tears.
“That’s why I’m medicine, to make a difference,” McGettigan said. “And this way I can possibly make a huge difference.”
McGettigan is the owner of Tucson’s Medical and Quality of Life Research Center. The facility is currently conducting Phase III investigations of Moderna’s MRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine.
“For me personally, this is the second most important thing that happened in my medical career,” McGettigan said.
The Quality of Life Medical and Research Center, located on the east side of Tucson, hopes to get more volunteers for the study that responds first.
“I’m kind of inclined to get the vaccination,” said potential volunteer for the study, Tomas Silvera.
When asked to describe his inner feeling about the fact that a study in Tucson that he stepped up could literally save millions of lives, McGettigan simply said, “it’s just a great honor.”
The results of the first two phases of the vaccine trial were just published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In all, 30,000 people nationwide will be tested in Phase III. There could be as many as 1,000 of those threads taking place in Tucson.
The Tucson’s Medical and Quality of Life Research Center is one of 87 clinics nationwide that will conduct research for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The tests for the Phase III investigations of Moderna’s MRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine will continue for two years. This will include subsequent studies.
“We were extremely humbled and honored to be selected,” McGettigan said. “I think this is all very hopeful. That this as some of the subjects will be the answer. It will certainly increase antibodies, that is what we need to fight the disease.”
Jennifer Haller is a volunteer who participates in the vaccine study.
“I am very encouraged by these results,” Haller said. “I think it shows that they are on the right track with this vaccine. And also, it’s really exciting that there are a lot of other vaccine surveys that are being done all over the world.”
McGettigan added, “I’m sure we’ll get a vaccine. Whether this will be the definitive candidate or not, that’s why we do the research study. This particular vaccine, for me, looks a lot different. reasons especially exciting. “
The clinic is looking for volunteers in the Old Pueblo to participate in the study. For more information, email [email protected].
