In Leiden, American medical group Johnson & Johnson is working with over 100 people to create a vaccine against coronavirus (COVID-19). However, it is likely that this vaccine will not be tested in the Netherlands.
The reason for this is the strict rules that the country has regarding human clinical trials. These are stricter than in other countries such as the UK and America and the group wants to avoid delays. After being questioned on where testing will take place, Janssen, the pharmaceutical subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, said to Het Financieele Dagblad, “We are choosing the fastest and best way”.
It’s likely testing will be carried out in the UK or US. According to the company, testing the vaccine will take too long for how urgently the vaccine is needed if Dutch procedures are followed. Currently, dozens of companies worldwide are trying to develop a vaccine against coronavirus. Janssen hopes to be able to test its vaccine against coronavirus on people in November.
Take a look at the latest update for coronavirus in the Netherlands.