(06.10.2020)

Still, such participants occupy an unusual position in a trial shutdown that is being closely watched as a potential indicator of the prospects of a frontrunner in the race to develop a vaccine to curb the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the participant who spoke with STAT — and others in his same position who can’t currently get their booster shot — the trial halt has become a waiting game. “Now, we’re waiting as the lab rats in the corner,” said the participant, who requested anonymity because he was worried he could face consequences if study investigators found out he had spoken to the press.