Video from Stewart Cole: Covid-vaccine news

"Dear all,
 
Today I would like to share some more details behind the recent decision to abandon, with our partner Merck, the development of our first Covid-19 candidate using the measles virus platform.  
 
There were solid grounds to expect a robust immune response in human volunteers, with induction of neutralizing antibodies, but this was not observed. We are now trying to understand the biological reasons for this setback in order to design better measles-based vaccine candidates but this will require additional time.
 
In the meanwhile, we will do the utmost to progress our next vaccine candidates since there are unmet needs given the scale of the pandemic.  
 
As you all know, the new highly transmissible variants of SARS-CoV-2 are causing considerable concern and have forced the intensification of hygiene and distancing measures on the campus. Please respect these measures as we wish to protect you, and all our staff, and to keep our institute cluster-free.  
 
The arrival of the new variants also brings new scientific opportunities. As part of the national effort we will deploy our sequencing capacity and expertise in genomic epidemiology to help follow the spread and evolution of these new variants.
 
To watch my video, please click here.
 
Take care and see you soon.
 
Regards"
 
Pr. Stewart Cole
President