AstraZeneca puts on hold Covid-19 vaccine trial after possible serious adverse reaction in participant

AstraZeneca announced the Phase 3 trials of its Covid-19 vaccine had been put on hold due to a possible adverse reaction in a participant. The pharmaceutical manufacturer stated pausing tests were common during vaccine development and an independent committee is to review the safety data related to the adverse reaction.

"This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials."

There are currently nine vaccine candidates in Phase 3 trials. AstraZeneca's is the first Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trial known to have been put on hold ,and it’s unclear how long the hold might last.