Brazilian volunteer in AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine trial dies

TIL Desk/World/Brasilia/ A volunteer in Brazil’s clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University has died, the Brazilian health agency Anvisa announced, adding that the trial will continue. While it is not clear whether the volunteer had received the vaccine or a placebo shot during the trial, Anvisa has refused to reveal any more information citing reasons of medical privacy.

“All significant medical incidents, whether participants are in the control group or the COVID-19 vaccine group, are independently reviewed. Following careful assessment of this case in Brazil, there have been no concerns about safety of the clinical trial and the independent review in addition to the Brazilian regulator have recommended that the trial should continue,” Oxford University told in an emailed statement.

Spokesman for vaccine maker AstraZeneca declined to comment specifically on reports that a volunteer in its trial of a coronavirus vaccine in Brazil had died, but indicated nothing had happened to justify stopping or pausing the trial.