Interim Phase 3 analysis of the Oxford / AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine candidate showed a 70.4 percent efficacy in preventing the disease, Oxford University announced on Monday. At two different dosing regimens, the vaccine, AZD1222, was 90% and 62% effective.
In the most effective dosing regimen, AZD1222 was administered as a half dose, followed by a full dose at least one month apart. Another dosing regimen showed less efficacy when given in two full doses separated by at least one month. Combined analysis of both dosage regimens resulted in an average efficacy of 70 percent.
“High-level positive results from an interim analysis of AZD1222 clinical trials in the UK and Brazil showed that the vaccine was highly effective in preventing COVID-19, the primary endpoint, with no hospitalizations or serious cases reported. of disease in participants who received the vaccine, ”AstraZeneca said in a statement.
How does Pfizer compare to Moderna?
While the 70 percent efficacy of AZD1222 would have been considered a breakthrough a month ago, it is relatively low compared to the 95 percent efficacy of the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna.
See also the Covid, vaccine race and what we still do not know | Dr Guleria and Dr Jha # HTLS2020
However, the Oxford / AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine has an advantage in terms of storage, as AZD1222 can be stored at refrigerator temperature, while the Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna vaccines must be stored at a much cooler temperature.
Pfizer’s candidate vaccine requires ultra-cold storage at around minus 75 ° C and can be stored in the refrigerator for five days. Moderna’s vaccine, mRNA-1273, is expected to remain stable under standard refrigerated conditions of 2 ° C to 8 ° C for up to 30 days within the 6-month shelf life.
The Oxford vaccine also scores better on price, costing a fraction of the price set by Pfizer and Moderna and will be manufactured in several countries, including India and Brazil. On Thursday, Adar Poonawalla, executive director of the Serum Institute of India, told the Hindustan Times that, in India, the Oxford vaccine will be priced at Rs 500-600.
.
