Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown 90% efficacy in preventing infections during phase 3 trials, the companies announced Monday. The European Union has already secured 200 million doses.
Over 150 COVID-19 vaccines are in development worldwide. Few have reached phase 3—the final stage before regulatory approval. Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech are among them, and results are promising. Their vaccine candidate achieved 90% efficacy.
Protection was observed seven days after the second dose and 28 days after the first.
“The first results from our phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial provide initial evidence of our vaccine's ability to prevent COVID-19,” said Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla. “We look forward to sharing additional efficacy and safety data from thousands of participants in the coming weeks.”
He described it as a “real breakthrough needed to help end this global health crisis.”
These are preliminary findings, but encouraging ones. Pending full results, the companies plan to seek emergency use authorization from the FDA soon.
If approved, the vaccine could roll out before December's end. Pfizer and BioNTech aim to supply up to 50 million doses worldwide by year-end and 1.3 billion in 2021. The EU has ordered 200 million doses, with an option for 100 million more.
“We have activated our supply chain, including our Belgium site, and begun manufacturing so the vaccine is ready as soon as trials succeed and regulators approve,” Bourla added.
The European Commission also signed deals with AstraZeneca (at least 300 million doses) and Sanofi-GSK (300 million doses).
As Les Échos reports, not everyone in France will access initial doses if authorized. “The High Authority for Health (HAS) will define the vaccination strategy and priority groups,” including healthcare workers and high-risk individuals (over 65 or with comorbidities).
Globally, over 50.3 million cases have been confirmed, with more than 1.2 million deaths per Johns Hopkins University.
