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
UC biologist talks about 'pearmageddon'
March 16, 2026
WLWT talks to UC biologist and Department Head Theresa Culley about invasive, nonnative Callery pear trees that are spreading across Ohio forests after they were introduced by landscapers more than 50 years ago.
Local media highlight completion of Blood Cancer Healing Center fourth and fifth floors
March 16, 2026
Local media including WLWT and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted the opening of research laboratories and the UC Osher Wellness Suite and Learning Kitchen at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center’s Blood Cancer Healing Center.
Trial results support weekly buprenorphine treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy
March 16, 2026
Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers led by the University of Cincinnati's John Winhusen published clinical trial results in JAMA Internal Medicine that found administering weekly injectable extended-release buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy led to higher rates of abstinence from illicit opioids than buprenorphine given daily under the tongue, one of the standard methods of treatment.