KENTUCKY — Vaccine trials are underway across the country and, now UK Hospital, Baptist Health Lexington, and Norton Healthcare in Louisville have been named sites for a new clinical trial.
The university will serve as a testing site for the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson's Phase 3 clinical research study, called the ENSEMBLE trial, to evaluate Jansenn's investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate, JNJ-78436735, also known as Ad26.COV2.S.
The clinical trial, which is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, will examine the safety and efficacy of a single vaccine dose versus placebo in roughly 60,000 participants, including significant representation from those 60 and older.
Teams at UK, Baptist Health Lexington, and Norton Healthcare plan to enroll at least 2,000 local volunteers for the trial. Those 18 and over who meet inclusion criteria, including adults with and without health issues that put them at risk for severe COVID-19, can participate in the trial.
Those interested in participating in the trial can go online for more information, in addition to a pre-screening questionnaire. After filling it out, the research team may contact the applicant to determine eligibility. All information is confidential and completing the questionnaire doesn't obligate you to join the study. Qualified participants will be compensated.
Dr. Richard Greenberg is an Infectious Disease Specialist in Lexington and has over 48 years of experience in the medical field. Greenberg is the lead researcher in the clinical trial here in the Commonwealth and is featured during this In Focus Kentucky segment.
“The most important effort to end this pandemic requires the cooperation and participation of many scientists, doctors, public health leaders, politicians, and the people of the world,” Greenberg said. “To have a chance to be a small part of the solution is not only an opportunity for the university but an honor for me. I thank the many people working so hard at all levels of this project—from those behind the scenes to all of our volunteers—because they know how important this to the world.”