Goan in the COVID vaccine trial

Vikram Talaulikar, a doctor of Goan origin, is a human volunteer for the COV002 vaccine trial, being developed by the Oxford Vaccine Group to work against COVID-19.He makes time to talk to NT BUZZ from USA

DANUSKA DA GAMA | NT BUZZ

Obstrecian and gynaecologist based in UK, Vikram Talaulikar, is the son of one of Goa’s leading gynaecologists, Vijay Talaulikar. Having done his MBBS at Goa Medical College, he’s currently in USA volunteering for the UCLH Oxford COVID vaccine human trials.

Q. What does it mean to be a human volunteer in creating a vaccine for the deadly COVID that will remain etched forever in people’s minds?

COVID-19 is causing havoc across the world with more than 400,000 people dying from it so far. The need of the hour is to set up and complete clinical trials, which can lead to the development of a vaccine or medication that would be effective in preventing the infection or reducing severity of the illness.

There are many ongoing clinical trials across the world which are evaluating potential treatments.

The COV002 vaccine trial is one of such trials which is testing how well a new vaccine developed by the Oxford Vaccine Group works against COVID-19.

As a doctor and scientist, it was an honour for me to participate in this trial and contribute to the science and join efforts to defeat this disease. Having been part of other research teams over past few years, I certainly recognise the importance of volunteering to help the recruitment targets in such trials. Unless we can have enough participants vaccinated and potentially exposed to the risk of illness, we will not know whether the vaccine works.

Q. What does your work involve?

The trial is being conducted with robust monitoring and safety standards in place. As part of the trials, I have been screened for any evidence of coronavirus infection through antibody blood tests and all basic parameters including weight, height, BMI (body mass index) and baseline bloods recorded. Following the administration of vaccine last week, these tests are now being repeated weekly. Some of the tests will continue until the trial is complete which is expected to be in a year’s time.

I will continue to see patients as part of my daily job at UCLH (University College London Hospitals) but will take all the precautions and use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to avoid risk of viral transmission.

Q. Tell us about the efforts

being put in.

The vaccine being tested as part of a massive randomised controlled trial is a weakened version of an adenovirus (common cold virus) from chimpanzees that has been genetically modified. To this, virus, genes have been added which make proteins from the COVID-19 virus which play an essential role in infection pathway. The hope is that body will develop an immune response to this spike glycoprotein which can help stop the virus from entering the human cells.

Q. What’s your gut feeling? When will a vaccine be finally out?

It is difficult to predict accurately at this stage but if sufficient recruitment happens (thousands of participants) and the data are promising, we may see the vaccine ready for use before the end of this year. There is no doubt in my mind that we will find the vaccine and eventually defeat this virus. Several groups including the trial of which I am a part of are working tirelessly and even if some trials don’t work – they provide useful data and insights which will then help other researchers come up with better versions of the vaccines or medications.

Q. As a Goan, who now knows of the spike in cases, what can be done by our government?

Every country or state is unique in terms of its geography, population spread, culture and ethnic mix. The pandemic started and peaked at different times across the world. It would not be correct to compare nations or states in relation to the current coronavirus situation. I think each government will have to take an individualised decision about whether to enforce lockdown in the state or some areas of the state.

That will depend on how fast the number of cases will rise in a particular area and what is the risk of transmission if businesses or community centres remained open in that particular area. I am sure that the Goa Government is seeking advice from expert scientists in the state/country to take such major decisions.

The aim of the lockdown should be to slow virus transmission in areas where the cases are rising so that the numbers get restricted and the health system is not overburdened.

These are difficult times for many businesses and daily wage workers. The government should announce financial measures to support them for the next few months until the situation improves.

Q. Your advice to fellow Goans at this point of time?

I am encouraged to see that most Goans are taking all the right steps to prevent the spread of this infection. It is really important to follow the advice from WHO (World Health Organisation) and other health institutions until a vaccine or effective treatment against the infection is found. Social distancing, frequent use of hand washing/sanitisers and use of face masks in enclosed spaces are the cornerstone to reducing the burden of the disease.

I acknowledge that these simple measures are not practically easy to follow every time, but effort has to be made by every individual.

The two things I really want everyone not to do is to publicise or spread incorrect information from non-reliable sources about the virus (leading to false practices/panic) and to cooperate with state authorities as well as each other to help tackle this unprecedented situation.

Q. Will this pandemic end before a vaccine is found? Or will we have to co-exist with the virus and take each day as it comes?

The virus is here to stay for the time being. As it spreads, more and more people will get infected building up a level of herd immunity in the community.

Although majority of infected people will have only mild symptoms, one in six individuals will develop severe disease and complications. In most countries, transmission rates have slowed after the initial peak and if all the precautions are followed, we should be able to prevent a second wave of infections.

 The virus is new, and we are still learning about it. So, until a vaccine is ready, the mantra will be ‘social distancing and hand hygiene’.