6,000 volunteers to take part in Bahrain’s first global clinical trials

Dubai: Over 6,000 volunteers in Bahrain will be part of the first global clinical trial, for the third phase of WHO-listed potential coronavirus vaccines.

Al Bilad Newspaper reported that Bahrain has begun phase three of clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Covid-19 vaccine trials have shown a glimpse of effectivness according to new data, and was initiated with 21 candidates in Phase 3 clinical trials.

These details were communicated by Dr Rodney Hoff, clinical professor at the University of Washington at a key webinar hosted by the US Embassy in Bahrain.

Dr Hoff reiterated that the development of a Covid-19 vaccine is complex in nature and a vaccine by the end of the year could be possible but not likely. However, the public can expect access to the vaccine by 2021.

Controlled trial

Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Diseases Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and Member of the National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (COVID-19) last month revealed numerous meetings have been conducted to secure vaccines in large number.

A randomized controlled trial had been completed on the use of convalescent plasma therapy with another RCT planned on Favipiravir stated Dr Manaf. Multiple observational studies were done with others ongoing.

In line with this Alba has been proactive in supporting Bahrain’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, developing and fostering its community engagement initiatives, which includes support to the ‘Convalescent Plasma Donation Programme’ at the BDF Royal Medical Services (BDFRMS), led by Major General Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director of the Royal Medical Services.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain has been prudent in its approach towards combating COVID-19. We are pleased that Alba has demonstrated a strong initiative to support the BDFRMS by supporting the ‘Convalescent Plasma Donation Programme’, which has shown promising results in the management of COVID-19 patients” said Dr Abdulla Darwish, Technical Assistant to the Director of the Royal Medical Services at the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital.

The ‘Convalescent Plasma Donation Programme’ helps facilitate recovery by transferring antibodies from the blood plasma of fully recovered COVID-19 patients who meet the required conditions to current patients.