A Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine was found to be safe and generate an immune response in the first trials, promising signs as research continues.
The results published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine come from early-stage trials. The most conclusive results on the vaccine’s effectiveness will yet come in a phase three trial, which the company said could be available early Wednesday, at the “end of January.”
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine would be a crucial addition to the two vaccines already authorized, as it would allow for more doses and only requires one shot, instead of the two needed for Pfizer and Moderna products.
The results of the first trials published on Wednesday found that all participants in the trial developed neutralizing antibodies against the virus on the 57th and 90% had it by the 29th.
The vaccine was also found to be safe, with some common side effects such as fatigue and headaches.
Paul Stoeffels, the company’s chief scientific officer, told CNBC that the results show the vaccine provides “sustainable antibodies” and is confident the company will be highly effective.
Still, The New York Times reported Tuesday that the company has run into manufacturing problems and that a 12-million-dose plan by the end of February may not materialize until April.