Pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer says it is one step closer to potentially providing a vaccine for COVID-19.
Early data from the company suggests its vaccine candidate is more than 90 per cent effective in preventing the virus.
“The results demonstrate that our mRNA-based vaccine can help prevent COVID-19 in the majority of people who receive it,” said CEO Alberta Bourla in a statement.
“This means we are one step closer to potentially providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global pandemic.”
Bourla described the data as a “first but critical step” as they work to deliver a safe and effective vaccine.
But more work needs to done before the company can apply for FDA Emergency Use Authorization in the United States.
“We estimate that a median of two months of safety data following the second and final dose of the vaccine candidate – required by FDA’s guidance for potential Emergency Use Authorization – will be available by the third week of November,” said Bourla.
The company is also generating data to show its vaccine can be consistently manufactured to meet quality standards, which is another one of the requirements needed before filing for authorization.
Pfizer is one of several companies working on a vaccine for COVID-19.
An update from @AlbertBourla on our investigational #COVID19 vaccine program with @BioNTech_Group.
— Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) November 9, 2020
