New Covid vaccine tested in Hartlepool and made on Teesside hailed as 'another weapon in armoury' after successful trial

The Novavax vaccine has been found to be 89% effective against Covid-19 after a worldwide trial which included 500 volunteers take part at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

It is due to be rolled out across the country later this year pending approval by regulators and will be made at Fuijifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies in Billingham.

Dr Justin Carter, clinical director of research and development at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s exciting news – we are proud that 500 volunteers have put themselves forward at Hartlepool.

"This is part of a larger trial across the world, in which 20,000 people have volunteered to be a part of.

“The vaccine has been found to be effective. It is another thing in our armoury going forward.

"This is part of the initial results of a large series of trials. All those results will go to the regulators who verify the data - and assuming they are happy – it then will be given the green light for use.”

Dr Carter said the vaccine could also help with the worldwide vaccines supply following shortages in some parts of the world.

He added: “You’ve seen the pressure worldwide with supply. This will mean more vaccines, more suppliers, more production plants the better.

"We are all in this together.”

The Hartlepool Novavax trial was led by the Durham Tees Valley Research Alliance made up of research and clinical staff from three health trusts in the region.

They were the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Carter said: “This goes to show what can be done when the three trusts with primary care trust support come together.”

Hartlepool Borough Council leader Councillor Shane Moore said: “I’m delighted a vaccine is to be produced locally in the Tees Valley which was tested here at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

“The trial was a great accolade for Hartlepool and our wider region and shows we’ve really led the way in trying to eradicate this terrible virus.”

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