More than 55 million people around the world have been infected with coronavirus – the U.S. has the highest number of infections, with over 11.4 million reported cases.
But hope may be on the horizon. In the race to find a vaccine against SARS-Cov-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – two candidates have reported promising results based on early data released.
On Monday (November 16), biotech firm Moderna, who is developing a vaccine in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, reported that the vaccine they are developing has been found to be 95% effective, based on early data.
On November 9, U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and its partner, German biotech firm BioNTech, gave an interim analysis from early data in their phase 3 trials – it was 90% effective in protecting people from transmission. Just a week later, the company followed it up with analysis of the final data from their trials – reporting a 95% efficacy, and according to further data from the firm, has passed its safety checks.
PA Media reports:
“The pharmaceutical giant and its partner BioNTech published interim results last week showing the jab could prevent more than 90% of people developing Covid-19.
That data was based on the first 94 volunteers to develop Covid-19, but further figures released on Wednesday are based on the first 170 cases of the virus in the clinical trial.
The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been raised.”
A news release from the companies also announced that an application for emergency authorization will be submitted “within days.”
But before either of the companies can begin vaccinating the public, the F.D.A. will review the applications and consult with its own external committee of experts before making a decision. If approved, the CDC will then determine who will receive the vaccine first.
While it’s possible that one or both vaccines could be available by the end of the year, it will take months before enough doses can be manufactured to inoculate the majority of the population.
In the meantime, experts continue to urge everyone to practice more immediate measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, such as avoiding large indoor gatherings, wearing masks, practicing physical distancing and using other public health measures.
