Johnson & Johnson vaccine has promising immune response in early trial

A coronavirus vaccine from Johnson & Johnson was found to be safe and to generate an immune response in early trials, promising signs as research continues.

The results published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine are from early-stage trials. The more conclusive results on the effectiveness of the vaccine are still to come in a phase three trial, which the company said Wednesday could be available soon, in “late January.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine would be a crucial addition to the two vaccines already authorized, in that it would allow for more doses to be available, and it only requires one shot, rather than the two needed for Pfizer and Moderna’s products. 

The results from the early trials released Wednesday found that all trial participants developed neutralizing antibodies against the virus by Day 57, and 90 percent had them by Day 29. 

The vaccine was also found to be safe, with some common side effects like fatigue and headache. 

Paul Stoeffels, the company’s chief scientific officer, told CNBC the results show the vaccine gives “sustainable antibodies” and gives the company “confidence” it will be highly effective.  

Still, The New York Times reported Tuesday that the company has encountered manufacturing snags, and that a plan for 12 million doses by the end of February might not materialize until April.