AstraZeneca has temporarily put on hold the Phase III study of the University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine following an unexplained illness in one trial participant in the United Kingdom.

This is a voluntary and routine action that demonstrates the rigour and high standards of the clinical trial process and that safety is the primary focus of the clinical trials being undertaken.

AstraZeneca is working to expedite the review of the single event to minimise any potential impact on the trial timeline.

Phase III clinical trials of the University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine are currently underway in the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil and South Africa with up to 50,000 people participating globally.