Israeli Covid-19 vaccine begins Phase II human trial

• Date: 15 December 2020
• Published date: 15 December 2020
• Author: Gali Weinreb and Danny Zaken

The approval was granted after no severe side-effects were found in the volunteers who took part in the Phase I trial. Regarding the efficacy of the Phase I trial, the aim was to examine if antibodies against Covid-19 develop in the blood of the volunteers, and specifically the neutralizing antibodies. The Institute of Biological Research did not report whether these antibodies did develop.

Sources have informed "Globes" that these neutralizing antibodies did develop but the methods of the examination are not officially valid, therefore samples have been sent abroad for testing that is officially recognized. The approval was given for the Phase II trial to start on the assumption that partial results from the samples sent abroad will be available by the time the trial is set to begin.

The Phase II trial will begin at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer and Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, and will gradually expand to other hospitals. Completion of the entire trial process including the Phase III trial is expected to be in the summer of 2021.

Minister of Defense Benny Gantz said, "The Institute of Biological Research researchers are...