Vallance and Whitty lay out issues in R&D response to Covid-19

Chief advisers cite phase 2 trials, manufacturing and social care research as areas for improvement

The government’s most senior scientists have said social care research, phase 2 clinical trials, and the national capacity to make tests and vaccines at scale were significant weaknesses in the UK’s initial R&D response to Covid-19.

Chief medic Chris Whitty and chief scientist Patrick Vallance told a House of Commons select committees inquiry meeting on 9 December that these areas must be strengthened to fight off future pandemics.