Jonathan Kamens 86 47
A final update about the #PanChol cholera vaccine clinical trial which I participated in, spending a week in the hospital as described in the above thread…
This morning was my final appointment for the trial. I dropped off one last home-collected stool sample (ugh!), had a few vials of blood drawn, and was on my way. This was the last of three such visits after the inpatient stay.
#PanCholLiveToot
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Apr 2, 2025 at 12:30amWeb
Show threadJonathan Kamens 86 47Apr 2, 2025
They may ask me later to participate in a booster trial of the vaccine. Hopefully that one won't require an inpatient stay.
I am now free to resume blood donations, though I will probably wait to start doing that until after Passover when things are less hectic and I've had some time to settle into my new job.
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#PanCholLiveToot
Show threadJonathan Kamens 86 47Apr 2, 2025
On the way out of Brigham and Women's Hospital after the appointment, I took a moment to reflect in the empty Bornstein Family Amphitheater. I don't know why, but I find it immensely calming to walk into a dark, empty lecture hall, turn on the lights, and just sit and ponder for a few minutes.
If you've never participated in a clinical trial before, please consider it. I've written about it on my blog if you're curious: https://blog.kamens.us/2023/03/27/the-easiest-way-in-the-world-to-save-lives-has-been-inside-you-all-along/ .
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#PanCholLiveToot
The easiest way in the world to save lives has been inside you all along

Be an organ donor. Donate blood or platelets. Register as a stem-cell donor. Be a clinical trial subject. Save lives. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Something better to do
Show threadJonathan Kamens 86 47Jul 27, 2025
Followup about the #PanChol clinical trial I participated in back in April: the study was just unblinded, so I now know that I was given the vaccine, not a placebo.
They want me to participate in a followup booster study, which will again involve an inpatient hospital stay albeit hopefully a shorter one. I told them I couldn't commit to that right now—feeling rather overwhelmed in general at the moment—but they should check back in September and things might be better then.
#PanCholLiveToot
Show threadJonathan Kamens 86 47Jul 27, 2025
They hope that the inpatient stay for the booster trial will be shorter because if the vaccine worked as intended then I now have immunity which means the booster won't be able to gain a foothold hold in my body. If so, then I'll test negative for the attenuated bacteria in the vaccine on the third day and they'll be able to let me go home.
Otherwise, if I test positive for the bacteria, they'll have to put me on antibiotics for 48 hours before they can let me go home.
#PanCholLiveToot
Show threadJonathan Kamens 86 47Sep 4, 2025
I just had an intake appointment for the next phase of the PanChol cholera vaccine trial.
The results from the earlier phases were very promising. Now they're doing a booster trial which I'll need to stay in the hospital again for, tentatively scheduled to start Sep. 15.
If this phase is successful, they plan on doing a trial in Zambia, where cholera is endemic, then a challenge trial.
I'll be live-posting again at #PanCholLiveToot.
To catch up on what came before, visit https://blog.kamens.us/2025/09/04/panchol-clinical-trial-thread-unroll/
“PanChol” clinical trial thread unroll

All my posts prior to today about my participation in a clinical trial for a truly revolutionary cholera vaccine.

Something better to do
Show threadMelissaJul 27, 2025
@jik
My daughter was in a clinical trial as a child at UVA, and used the money to buy a doll that was expensive : )
Show threadCassandraJul 27, 2025
@jik This is so interesting. Thank you not only for participating but sharing your experiences.
Show threadJeanJul 28, 2025
@jik I’ve been in a few medical studies and an RSV vaccine trial. I want to support science, but I’m not a scientist, so I feel like the best way I can support science is to participate in studies and trials.
Show threadJonathan Kamens 86 47Jul 28, 2025
@Jean Good on you. Wish more people would do it!