LONDON – British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said on Monday that its Covid-19 vaccine could be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing the disease – the third promising breakthrough in the fight against the epidemic that has killed nearly 1.4 million people worldwide.
“The effectiveness and safety of this vaccine confirms that it will be highly effective against Covid-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency,” Pascal Soriot, chief executive officer, said in a statement.
Data analysis of the third phase trial showed that the vaccine was 90 percent effective in preventing the disease when half the dose was provided. In another dosing regimen, when two full doses were given, the vaccine was 62 percent effective, the researchers said, adding that the combined average efficacy is 70 percent.
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None of those vaccinated were hospitalized or had serious cases, the researchers said. Further analysis is needed to determine how long the protection provided by the vaccine can last.
Earlier this month, Pfizer and Moderna reported preliminary results of late-stage tests, showing that their vaccine candidates were about 95 percent effective.
The makers of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which uses a weaker version of the common cold virus, said it could be run in existing healthcare settings, such as medical clinics and local pharmacies, and stored at “fridge temperatures” of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit for at least six months), simplifies its distribution.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the news but warned that more research was needed before the vaccine could be widely distributed.
“Surprisingly exciting news has proved so effective in the Oxford vaccine trial,” he said. To tweet. “Even more safety checks are ahead, but these are fantastic results.”
Clinical trials in the UK, Brazil and South Africa have found 131 Covid-19 cases in more than 24,000 volunteers from different ethnic and geographic groups, the researchers said. Further action is being taken in the US, Kenya, Russia, Japan and India.
Vaccine effectiveness data will now be submitted to regulators around the world, including the UK, Europe and Brazil, the company said for review and approval. It will also seek the World Health Organization’s emergency access approval for a quick route to vaccine availability in low-income countries.
AstraZeneca has an international agreement to supply three billion doses of the vaccine, the company said.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Laura Saravia Contributed.
