In a transcript published in Medscape on August 10, 2020, Arthur L. Caplan, Ph.D., the director of the Division of Medical Ethics at New York University Langone Medical Center and School of Medicine, discussed the “warp speed” plan for developing a vaccine to fight COVID-19. Dr. Caplan discusses the process of FDA approval for vaccines and indicates that approval can take upwards of 5-6 years. This is only the approval process and does not include the time it takes to manufacture the vaccine. In his opinion, we can’t cut corners. We need warp speed but only if we develop a safe and effective vaccine. He suggests that we go prudently, go safely, and make sure the public knows that they’re not going to be put at risk.

Whether you support Dr. Caplan’s ideas on developing a vaccine for COVID-19 or not, it is an interesting transcript and video to listen to. Let’s hope that the medical, research and healthcare communities can make progress in fighting this virus together. It is in everyone’s best interest to work together, collaborate, weigh the risk/benefit, and soldier on! Stay well, stay safe, and stay tuned!