TRIALS for a vaccine which could protect against Covid-19 are set to begin across Southampton.

Researchers at University Hospital Southampton and the University of Southampton will soon be trialling the vaccine, which has been made from a weakened version of a common cold virus from chimpanzees.

It is called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and has been genetically changed so that it is impossible for it to grow in humans.

This has been combined with genes that make proteins from the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) called spike glycoprotein which play an essential role in the infection pathway of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to researchers.

After work on the vaccine began in January by clinical teams at University of Oxford's Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group, the study will involve up to 510 healthy volunteers between 18 and 55 - with around 187 participants to be recruited in Southampton.

“There are not currently any licensed vaccines or specific treatments for COVID-19 but vaccines are the most effective way of controlling outbreaks and the international community has stepped up efforts towards developing one,” said Professor Saul Faust, director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility at UHS.

“This vaccine aims to turn the virus’ most potent weapon, its spikes, against it – raising antibodies that stick to them allowing the immune system to lock onto and destroy the virus.”

He added: “We are really pleased to be supporting our colleagues in Oxford by collaborating on this extremely important study, which is one of only four vaccine trials underway worldwide and could pave the way for a vaccine to be delivered later this year.

“This study will enable us to assess if healthy people can be protected from COVID-19 with this new vaccine and it will also give us valuable information on its safety and ability to generate good immune responses against the virus.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 70 COVID-19 vaccines are in development worldwide but the UK now joins the United States and China in beginning human trials.

The study is taking place in Oxford and Southampton with three further sites likely to be added.

Half of volunteers in the study will receive either the COVID-19 vaccine and the other half will be given a licensed ‘control’ vaccine against meningitis and sepsis - the conjugate MenACWY vaccine - as comparison.

Production has already been scaled up pre-trial to prepare as early as possible for larger trials and potential future deployment.

Prof Faust, who is a consultant in immunology and infectious diseases, said: “By starting vaccine manufacturing scale-up immediately, the team can ensure that enough vaccine doses are available as soon as possible for the next trials which will include older people and children.

“Those joining the trial will be playing a critical role in the global search for a vaccine that protects us all, not least frontline NHS workers, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.”

To find out more about the study and how to take part, visit covid19vaccinetrial.co.uk/volunteer.