Replies to post #233941 on Biotech Values

[Biowatch]

People volunteered for coronavirus exposure to speed up vaccine trials.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/infecting-willing-volunteers-with-covid-19-might-speed-up-the-race-for-a-vaccine-but-it-could-be-risky-opinion/ar-BB17fOYQ?li=BBnb7Kz

I do not know if any companies are taking them up on this offer, but it would be a faster way to determine efficacy.
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Unblinding placebo in the current trials would presumably make everyone in the placebo arm become much more cautious, inherently reducing their chance of exposure and skewing the results.

People who enroll in clinical trials's are told of the risks, and are given no promise of benefits, but it is human nature to assume that you will benefit from whatever you receive, even if it is highly unlikely. Hence the placebo effect.

It was my understanding that all participants were encouraged to follow safe practices, but that the trial included people who, for example, work at grocery stores and can't self-quarrantine.

[miljenko]

The placebo patients do not have any disease when they enter the trial, and they presumably wouldn’t be helped by subsequent vaccination if they develop COVID-19 during the trial.

It is not placebo subject crossover that is concern, it is vaccinated population that may in time lose immunity and become *like* placebo. I think it is better to follow this population in blind fashion.