J&J Suspends Covid-19 Vaccine Study, Vaccinators Show Unspecified Symptoms

Recently, the ongoing Covid-19 vaccine study conducted by Johnson & Johnson has been suspended due to unexplained symptoms in participants.

According to STAT News, a U.S. health and wellness media outlet, the outlet obtained documents sent by Johnson & Johnson to the researchers. The document states that a "moratorium" is in effect and that the online system used to recruit patients has been shut down. In addition, an independent committee tasked with overseeing data and security had met on the 12th.

In a response to the media, Johnson & Johnson confirmed that the study had been suspended due to "unexplained symptoms in one participant" and declined to provide further information. A company statement read: "We must respect the privacy of our participants. We are also now learning about their symptoms and need to clear up all the facts before sharing more information."

However, Johnson & Johnson also stressed that symptoms, accidents and other medical issues could arise in clinical studies. At the same time, the company reiterated that the current moratorium does not amount to a large-scale formal hold, so the public is not being informed. The US media noted that while pauses in clinical studies are not uncommon, vaccine research concerns were significantly higher during the epidemic. Moreover, Johnson & Johnson's study was 60,000 people in size, and a source in the study said that at that size, a new situation could arise even if the issue is resolved this time.