A Covid-19 vaccine candidate is giving great hope among many. A particular candidate developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford is in the news after researchers found it to be a safe input during clinical trials. The trials are still in the early stage.

Named as AZD1222, the vaccine is reportedly based on a chimpanzee adenovirus called ChAdOx1. "Oxford University’s vaccine trial generated both antibodies and “an excellent” T-cell (which recognise and kill infected body cells) response," reported The Economist.

If the human trials come to their logical conclusion (that is, they become successful), the pharma giant AstraZeneca is going to manufacture 400 million doses for the US. Another 100 million doses will be made for the UK. At least one million doses are expected to be available by September.

American politician Marco Rubio, reacting to the news, said, "Some good news in the midst of daily bad news. A Covid-19 vaccine being developed at Oxford University could be available in a little over 14 weeks. And vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer aren’t far behind. Better days are ahead."