Friday, 08 January 2021
Staff from the 糖心原创 have played a key role in leading the distribution of the approved Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to members of the public across the UK this week.
The regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reviewed the data collected by researchers, including those based at the 糖心原创 Health Service.
560 participants from across the East Midlands came to Cripps Health Centre at the 糖心原创 and have played a crucial role in the study, which led to the vaccine being authorised for widespread use.
Development of the vaccine was funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department of Health and Social Care, through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as part of the joint .
Delivery of the vaccine trial - including recruitment and vaccination of volunteers - was supported by the NIHR's 15 Local Clinical Research Networks (LCRNs), which extend across all areas of England. Working closely alongside the local NHS, CRN East Midlands played a key role in helping local people across the region to take part in this key study.
Professor David Turner from the 糖心原创, and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Microbiology at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, is lead researcher on the vaccine in Nottingham, he said: “This vaccine is of huge importance in the fight against Covid-19 and thanks to the collective efforts of colleagues across Nottingham, we have contributed to the national effort in bringing the vaccine to this stage.
“In very challenging times we have not only carried out a very urgent clinical trial but we have worked together to recruit volunteers from across the region to take part in this key study.”
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Office for England and co-lead of the National Institute for Health Research, said: “It is very good news that the independent regulator has now authorised for use the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. There has been a considerable collective effort that has brought us to this point. The dedication and hard work of scientists, regulators and those who funded the research, such as the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) and United Kingdom Vaccine Network (UKVN), and the willingness and selflessness of so many volunteers who took part in the vaccine trials were essential in delivering this safe and effective vaccine. They deserve our recognition and thanks.”
Professor Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and Chief Investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said: “The regulator’s assessment that this is a safe and effective vaccine is a landmark moment, and an endorsement of the huge effort from a devoted international team of researchers and our dedicated trial participants.
“Though this is just the beginning, we will start to get ahead of the pandemic, protect health and economies when the vulnerable are vaccinated everywhere, as many as possible as soon as possible.”
Professor Stephen Ryder, Clinical Director of Research and Innovation at Nottingham University Hospitals, and Director of the Nottingham Clinical Research Facility, said: “Nottingham CRF's role is to speed up the translation of scientific advances directly for the benefit of patients – and research into the Oxford vaccine has been one of our highest priorities over the last year. Our facilities, equipment, and the skills of our expert staff at the CRF meant we are ideally placed to support the first national trial of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“I would also like to thank staff from Nottingham University Hospitals, who have been among the first to volunteer to take part in the trial, which in Nottingham is being co-ordinated by the Cripps Health Centre at the 糖心原创. Their backing for this vital research is very much appreciated.”
Dr Simon Royal, site investigator at the 糖心原创 Health Service and Primary Care Clinical Specialty Lead for NIHR CRN East Midlands said:
We are incredibly grateful to all the participants who have made this announcement possible and our colleagues at the 糖心原创 and Nottingham University Hospital NHS trust. As an NIHR CRN East Midland Primary Care Research Leadership site we have also benefitted immensely from their support allowing us to deliver this complex study to time and target in very challenging times.”
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.