Coronavirus is the topic on many peoples minds right now as the number of cases continue to climb. Multiple companies are working hard to develop and test a vaccine for the virus. Here are some of the most important logistics considerations companies must keep in mind when conducting vaccine trials for COVID-19.
1. Participant Recruitment
There may be a scarcity of potential participants for a coronavirus vaccine, despite there being over 200,000 confirmed cases of the virus worldwide. A clinical trial for a COVID19 vaccine might be difficult to conduct for multiple reasons. Many patients who have tested positive for the virus are in self-isolation, making it difficult to administer and monitor the effects of the vaccine. Also, many potential participants for the trial may not be willing to be part of a clinical trial due to the current level of anxiety about the virus and being in an already vulnerable state of health.
2. Access to Supplies and Equipment
The concern about the coronavirus across the globe has created shortages in some essential materials and supplies which are critical to clinical trial logistics including masks, gloves, and sanitation supplies like hand sanitizer and wipes. Creating a good relationship with suppliers can make a clinical trial proceed quicker and easier. You may also consider partnering with a clinical trial management organization or logistics services company as they may have a substantial supply of these materials or preexisting relationships with suppliers.
3. Quick Distribution
The coronavirus is spreading rapidly worldwide so having a quick turnaround time for distribution of the clinical trial vaccines and eventual treatment of the illness is essential. In particular, in areas where the virus have slowed and even halted travel, it might be difficult to ship these vaccines quickly on such short notice. Distribution shouldn’t just be done in a rush though. It is extremely important that these products are shipped safely and at the proper temperature. Risking losing any of the valuable product could be disastrous to many patients and create delays in developing inoculations.
4. Storage for Products
It may be difficult to find adequate storage for a large quantity of coronavirus vaccines for clinical trials in such time constrained circumstances. Not just any last minute storage option will do either. Vaccines must be stored and monitored at the appropriate temperature and be kept secure from damage and theft.
5. Appropriate Packaging and Labeling
Ensuring that physicians, pharmacists, and patients can understand the instructions required to administer the drug is important to create accurate data for the clinical trial and limit the risk to participants. Labels should meet regulatory requirements and include all relevant and required warnings, instructions, and ingredients to ensure the safety of participants, and in a format that all parties are able to read and understand. This might include providing instructions in another language, with accurate translations, or larger font size for those with vision impairment.
Coronavirus Vaccine Efforts Currently Underway
Multiple pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and universities are currently working on the development of a vaccine to treat and prevent COVID-19.
Here are some of the major players in the development of coronavirus treatments:
Inovio Pharmaceuticals and Beijing Advaccine Biotechnology: ?INO-4800
Algernon Pharmaceuticals: NP-120 (Ifenprodil)
University of British Columbia and APEIRON Biologics: APN01
Moderna and Vaccine Research Center: mRNA-1273 vaccine
MIGAL Research Institute: Avian Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) vaccine
Tonix Pharmaceuticals: TNX-1800
Innovation Pharmaceuticals: Brilacidin
Clover Biopharmaceuticals: Recombinant subunit vaccine
Applied DNA Sciences and Takis Biotech: Linear DNA Vaccine
BIOXYTRAN to treat late-stage acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): BXT-25
Novavax: MERS coronavirus vaccine candidate
Gilead Sciences: Remdesivir (GS-5734)
Roche to treat coronavirus-related complications: Actemra
Biocryst Pharma: Galidesivir, a potential antiviral for coronavirus treatment
These organizations have been working diligently to create treatments to slow the spread of the virus as well as treat those already affected. Many organizations have also teamed up to combine their capabilities and expertise to create a timely solution to this crisis.
We wish all of those affected by COVID-19 a quick and full recovery. At Bay Area Research Logistics, we are standing at the ready to aid those searching for a treatment of this virus with our clinical trial logistics services. We also give our full support to those organizations currently working on treatment of the virus and wish them good luck in their efforts.
Bay Area Research Logistics has the flexibility to meet the unique needs of the coronavirus clinical trials including speedy and safe distribution, expertise in packaging and labeling services, and multiple storage solutions including ambient, refrigerated, frozen, and ultra-low frozen temperatures. Feel free to contact us to learn more!
