Response to reports of rushed COVID-19 trials in India

Responding to reports that India’s COVID-19 vaccine was progressed despite missing data, following trials featuring an altered number of trial participants, Jonathan Cushing, Global Health Director at Transparency International, said:

“Pandemics expose weaknesses in health systems, putting lives at risk. The emergence of evidence in India of rushed COVID-19 vaccine trials reinforces the need for greater transparency in clinical trial processes. Timely publication of clinical trial protocols along with clinical study data and reports in emergencies is crucial to enable independent re-assessment and build public trust and confidence. These requirements should be built into the World Health Organisation’s upcoming pandemic preparedness accord.”