Panama testing of COVID-19 vaccine  stalled  by flight challenges

The COVID-19 induced irregularity of international flights to Panama has stalled the arrival of a vaccine to be used in  a phase 2  test which was to have started on Sunday, September 6.

The biological product is  “highly sensitive to temperature changes.” said a statement from, the Cevaxin Research Center, leader of the consortium that is carrying out the  COVID-19 vaccine project in Panama, has been managing the transfer of the material from Germany, the headquarters of the pharmaceutical company CureVac, manufacturer of the vaccine.

Like other biological materials, explains Cevaxin, vaccines must be stored in a frozen state, in this particular case at a temperature of minus 80 degrees Celsius.

For their safe transport, they are packed covered with dry ice, which must be replaced periodically to maintain the appropriate temperature at all times.

The shortage of commercial flights, a product of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the limitations or restrictions of airlines to transport certain cargo, has caused the transport of vaccines to Panama to be delayed.

As is done for other studies, it has been ensured that the load is handled by trained personnel and that controlled environmental conditions guarantee the conditions in which it must be maintained.

Despite the logistical setbacks, Cevaxin is making progress in the development of the study, since it continues with the recruitment phase of the volunteers who will participate in the project that puts Panama on the map of global clinical research.