Merck (Finally) Starts a Clinical Trial of its Coronavirus Vaccine

Multiple drugmakers are in phase 3 clinical trials for their coronavirus vaccines -- the last stage before potential approval. Meanwhile, Merck (NYSE: MRK) is just now starting the first human study of its coronavirus vaccine, V591.

Being so far behind, the company didn't even bother announcing the start of the phase 1/2 clinical trial. The Wall Street Journal noticed the new clinical trial in the U.S. government's database, which was updated on Sept. 9.

While speed is important in a pandemic, Merck deserves get a bit of a break for its relatively slow start. The company only got its hands on the vaccine technology after acquiring a privately held Austrian company called Themis Bioscience in May.

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Source Fool.com