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A COVID-19 human viral challenge model. Learning from experience
Rob Lambkin-Williams1, John P DeVincenzo2
1VirologyConsult Ltd., Brighton, UK.
Human viral challenge models accelerate vaccine development by infecting volunteers to test interventions. This approach, proven with RSV, can expedite SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and treatment evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Controlled human infection models, including human viral challenge models (HVCMs), are similar to clinical trials but involve deliberate volunteer infection.
- These models assess infection effects and intervention benefits, offering a faster route to evaluate vaccine and treatment efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the use of a human viral challenge model to accelerate the development of a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine.
- To leverage prior experience in developing a pathogenic human viral challenge model for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) to inform COVID-19 HVCM development.
Main Methods:
- Deliberate infection of volunteers with a specific viral challenge agent.
- Assessment of infection effects and experimental intervention benefits.
- Adaptation of a previously established RSV pathogenic human viral challenge model.
Main Results:
- The authors previously developed and established a pathogenic human viral challenge model for RSV.
- This model successfully evaluated potential therapies and vaccines against RSV.
Conclusions:
- Human viral challenge models offer a valuable tool for accelerating vaccine and treatment development.
- Experience with RSV HVCM development provides a foundation for creating a COVID-19 HVCM.
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