CNN: One of the leading coronavirus vaccine trials is currently paused. Prominent vaccine researchers say that's unusual
UC expert says phase III trials typically don't pause
Recently, one of the major trials being conducted for a COVID-19 vaccine was paused because a study volunteer had what's known as an "adverse event." Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine was interviewed by CNN for a story on the pause in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC College of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases. Photo/Joseph Fuqua III/UC Creative + Brand
Fichtenbaum said it was uncommon for a pause to happen in a phase III trial.
According to Fichtenbaum, "Phase 3 trials don't typically pause. I've only seen it handful of times in my experience."
Read the entire story here.
Fichtenbaum was also featured in a story on vaccine trial volunteers aired by several Hearst television stations, including WCVB in Boston.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
World class: Alumni travel program connects Bearcats on global scale
January 7, 2026
Most people have a natural curiosity to see the world. Meanwhile, most Bearcats enjoy being around other Bearcats. Alumni can check both boxes through the UC Alumni Association’s travel program, which offers about half a dozen excursions each year to fascinating places around the globe.
UC launches Bearcat Affordability Grant
January 7, 2026
The University of Cincinnati is making college more attainable for students across Ohio with the creation of the Bearcat Affordability Grant. The new grant will provide a pathway to tuition-free college for students of families who make less than $75,000 per year. Beginning in fall 2026, the Bearcat Affordability Grant will cover the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell eligible.
How aerospace is turning to trustworthy AI
January 6, 2026
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate Lynn Pickering talks to the Ohio Federal Research Network about her research into artificial intelligence and the future of AI in aerospace engineering.