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Pharmaceutical regulators in the US last week authorized the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and now they are about to give their thumbs up to Modern. Both have a similar structure, but also some differences.
COLD STORAGE
The main difference between the two vaccines is their cold storage. While Pfizer’s needs temperatures between -60 and -80 degrees Celsius, which has made it necessary to organize an expensive and complex distribution and storage system, Moderna’s only requires -20 degrees, like a domestic freezer.
Outside of the super freezers that the Pfizer vaccine needs, the serum lasts 5 days in a refrigerator, while the Moderna one lasts up to 30 days, which makes it much more manageable logistically, especially for developing countries.
DOSE
Both vaccines require two doses, but Moderna’s are 100 micrograms and should be administered with 28 days difference, while Pfizer’s are 30 micrograms, to be administered with a term of 21 days.
EFFECTIVENESS
Both vaccines have shown efficacy close to 95 percent, much higher than expected, but Moderna’s has demonstrated the ability to prevent severe cases of Covid-19, according to data published by US regulators.
STRUCTURE
Both vaccines use the Messenger RNA or mRNA, which is introduced into human cells so that the body itself produces viral proteins that serve to generate the antibodies it needs to defend itself.
However, Each vaccine uses its own type of lipid coat to protect messenger RNA.
AGE
The Institute of Public Health (ISP), the Chilean regulatory body, and the Food and Drug Agency (FDA, in English), from the US, have licensed the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16 and older; that of Moderna, however, is prepared for those over 18.
COMPANY
While Pfizer is one of the great pharmaceutical companies with 170 years of history, Moderna is a biotech company barely a decade since its founding and without any product on the market.
Moderna, until recently a startup, had never before filed a vaccine with the FDA.
PUBLIC SUPPORT
Moderna has actively participated in the Operation “Warp Speed” from the government of Donald Trump and has accessed 2.5 billion dollars in federal funds to buy new materials, expand its facilities and increase its workforce by 50 percent.
Pfizer, on the other hand, has not been part of this public operation, although it did sign a contract with the government for the purchase of 100 million doses.
