UK: Prince William visits Oxford vaccine development

The Duke of Cambridge on Wednesday visited ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine against the new coronavirus taking place at the UK's University of Oxford.

The Oxford Vaccine Group has developed a vaccine against COVID-19, and is currently working on clinical trials to establish whether the vaccine generates immunity in humans.

In May, the University of Oxford agreed a global licensing agreement with AstraZeneca, the UK-based pharmaceutical company, for the commercialisation and manufacturing of the potential vaccine.

On Wednesday the Duke paid a visit to the Oxford Vaccine Group's facility at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford where the vaccine has been developed and trials are now underway.

Prince William was shown around the manufacturing laboratory where the vaccine has been produced and was also given a tour of the laboratory where samples from the clinical trial are being examined by researchers.

Trials began on 23 April, with 10,000 people across the UK in the process of being vaccinated in the latest study to assess the potential success of the treatment.

The UK Government has provided £84 million for the University of Oxford to develop and manufacture its coronavirus vaccine.

The University's partnership with AstraZeneca means the vaccine will be available globally on a non-profit basis during the pandemic period, including to low and middle income countries.

An agreement between the University of Oxford, AstraZeneca and the UK Government means the UK will have immediate access to the vaccine, should it be successful.