Early results from tests for a coronavirus vaccine being developed by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, show it produces a robust immune response in elderly people, the group at highest risk, Financial Times reported.

It has been discovered that the vaccine triggers protective antibodies and T-cells in older age groups, the newspaper said, citing two people familiar with the finding, encouraging researchers as they seek evidence that it will spare those in later life from serious illness or death from the virus, according to Reuters.

The findings echo data released in July which showed the vaccine generated “robust immune responses” in a group of healthy adults aged between 18 and 55, the newspaper reported, citing people aware of the results from so-called immunogenicity blood tests.