Pioneers
While Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech are the first to announce successful interim results from their large-scale phase 3 studies, at least 10 other candidate vaccines are in phase 3 trials. An independent panel reviewed limited details from the Pfizer study found the vaccine to be 90% effective in preventing Covid. A similar review of Moderna’s vaccine found it to be 94.5% effective. If results of more than 90% hold up after a detailed review, these vaccines would be as effective as measles, far exceeding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) benchmark of 50% effective for approval.
An independent panel found that Pfizer’s vaccine is 90% effective in preventing Covid
So far, neither trial has reported safety issues and both companies will seek emergency clearance from the FDA in the coming weeks. The United States has pre-ordered 100 million doses of both candidates. Pfizer has also agreed to supply the EU with 300 million doses, in addition to Canada, the UK and Japan.
Different approach
Instead of using the actual Covid virus, both vaccines use their synthetic genetic material, called messenger RNA, or “mRNA,” to train the immune system to fight it. After immunization, your cells will produce copies of the coronavirus spike protein that alerts the immune system and stimulates it to attack the real virus, should it attack you. Many vaccines based on this technology are being developed for other diseases, but none have been approved yet.
While they are based on the same principle, the two vaccines have some key differences. Modern vaccine can be stored at a higher temperature due to the type of fat in which the virus RNA is contained. That could play an important role in distribution, particularly in low-income countries and hot climates.
The results reinforce the possibilities of the Oxford vaccine
India has already reserved 1.6 billion doses from various providers, but the results of a new study could force the government to look elsewhere.
Among the vaccine offerings from India, the Oxford-AstraZeneca candidate is the most promising. The results of the Moderna and Pfizer studies bode well, although they use different technologies, as all three stimulate cells to produce a protein, which then triggers an immune response. Interim results of the Oxford-AstraZeneca study are expected soon. If successful, it could also start shipping before the end of the year.
Novavax, with which India has booked 1 billion doses, is still in phase 3 human trials in the UK with 10,000 volunteers. A larger Phase 3 trial is scheduled to begin this month in the US If the trials are successful, its vaccine may be commercially available in the second half of 2021. In September, Novavax and the Serum Institute of India signed a agreement to produce up to 2 billion doses per year.
India also has an agreement with Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute for its Sputnik V vaccine that claims 92% efficacy, although its results have not been peer-reviewed or published.
A deal with Pfizer or Moderna does not appear to be on the horizon for India, but the Moderna vaccine would be the best option as it can be stored at -20 ° C in commercial freezers. Most other vaccines in progress only require refrigeration, not freezing temperatures. Moderna’s longer shelf life will also make distribution easier.
Modern vaccine can be stored at a higher temperature due to the type of fat in which the virus RNA is contained.
However, since both Pfizer and Moderna are two-dose vaccines, India would need almost 3 billion doses for its entire population. None of the manufacturers will likely be able to produce such large quantities anytime soon.
Source: NYT, Bloomberg, Duke Global Health Innovation Center
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