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Mexico to participate in phase 3 trials of U.S. potential COVID-19 treatment

Mexico is working with several countries to ensure timely access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments for its population

A COVID-19 test vial is shown at a drive-up testing station - Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
08/09/2020 |15:33Alberto Morales, Perla Miranda y Pedro Villa y Caña |
Redacción El Universal
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Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, said Mexico will participate in the phase 3 trials of the treatment for COVID-19 developed by the U.S. company Regeneron Pharmaceutical.

At the National Palace, during the morning news briefing led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Minister Ebrard said the treatment is part of the so-called Operation Warp Speed.

“This week, we reached an agreement to perform the phase 3 clinical trials of the treatment of New York-based Regeneron Pharmaceutical. This is not a vaccine but a treatment that begins its phase 3 and that will be evaluated according to the results.”

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Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico will confirm its participation and intention of purchasing vaccines in the COVAX Facility and will be able to choose between 18 vaccines, so it will be until November and December when Mexican Health authorities determine which will be used.

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Likewise, the Minister explained that Mexico was formally invited by the Russian government to participate in phase 3 trials of the Sputnik V vaccine, where from 500 to 1,000 volunteers will be part of the clinical trials.

The Foreign Affairs Minister mentioned that the president’s orders are directed toward the timely access to the vaccine against coronavirus in a universal and free way that must be made available to Mexicans as soon as possible.

Regarding the repatriation of fellow citizens due to the pandemic , Ebrard said 17,393 of them have been brought back to Mexico from all over the world and that the 50 consulates in the U.S. are working normally.

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