Coping with COVID: Washington University seeking recruits as it begins phase 3 of vaccine trial

Used as a testing site for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is seeking recruitments for phase 3 of the trial vaccine.

The School of Medicine will enroll up to 500 adults ages 18 and older in the St. Louis region for phase 3 clinical research study, called the ENSEMBLE trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Janssen’s investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

The phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single vaccine dose of the Janssen investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate versus placebo, in approximately 60,000 adults 18 years old and older, including significant representation from those who are over 60.

“A safe and effective vaccine that can protect against COVID-19 infection is critical for ending the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rachel Presti, MD, PhD, an associate professor of medicine and medical director of Washington University’s Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit, which is leading the trial.

“In seeking volunteers, we are hoping to enroll people from diverse communities across the St. Louis region, as well as those who are at high risk of infection due to their age or the nature of their jobs, such as essential workers.”