Experts from the NHS, academic and private sector are joining forces with the UK government to launch these ‘human challenge’ trials

Coronavirus patient

Experts from the NHS, academic and private sector are joining forces with the UK government to launch these ‘human challenge’ trials.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “We are doing everything we can to fight coronavirus, including backing our best and brightest scientists and researchers in their hunt for a safe and effective vaccine. 

“The funding announced today for these ground-breaking but carefully controlled studies marks an important next step in building on our understanding of the virus and accelerating the development of our most promising vaccines which will ultimately help in beginning our return to normal life.”

In the human challenge study, the vaccine will be given to around 90 healthy adult volunteers, aged 18-30, before they’re exposed to the virus in a safe and controlled environment.

The participants will then be monitored 24 hours a day for any side effects, to see exactly how the vaccine works.