The Astra-Oxford vaccine prevented an average of 70% of cases in large trials in the UK and Brazil. (Archive)
Highlight
- Astra and Oxford are taking a different approach than Pfizer and Moderna
- Astra-Oxford vaccine prevented on average 70% of cases in large trials
- Scientists will now take a closer look at the preliminary results.
The pressure was on AstraZeneca Plc and Oxford University after the astonishing results of the Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc COVID-19 vaccine trial, and the UK partners complied, even if they couldn’t match the data from the two leaders. .
Scientists will now closely examine the preliminary results. The report is significant because Astra and Oxford are taking a different approach than that used by Pfizer and Moderna, and vaccine advocates say multiple injections will be needed to stop a contagion that has killed nearly 1.4 million people. Here’s what we know and what the results in battle could mean.
How do the results compare with the data from Pfizer and Moderna?
The Astra-Oxford vaccine prevented an average of 70% of cases in large trials in the UK and Brazil. The results combined data from two different dosing regimens, which may leave open questions about the best way to administer the injection. One regimen was 90% effective, while another was 62% effective. The numbers together failed to meet the high bar set by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE, which released findings showing their injection was 95% effective. Moderna’s results suggested that their vaccine was equally strong.
What happens now?
AstraZeneca said it would prepare to present its data to regulators around the world who have a framework for conditional approval, including an emergency use list from the World Health Organization. However, it is still waiting for US data.Meanwhile, Pfizer applied for the US emergency clearance on November 20. On Nov. 16, Moderna said it could seek the go-ahead from regulators in the coming weeks. That’s surprisingly fast, given the research to find coronavirus vaccines that only started in January.
How is the vaccine different from Astra?
Oxford and Astra are using a harmless virus to transport some of the pathogen’s genetic material into cells and generate an immune response. The so-called viral vector vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus that has been genetically modified so that it cannot grow in humans. The vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna use messenger RNA technology. When injected, the mRNA signals cells to make the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which the virus normally uses to invade cells.
How much will they cost?
Astra has said it will sell the vaccine at a cost during the pandemic at a price of between $ 4 and $ 5, depending on local charges. The United States agreed earlier this year to pay Pfizer $ 1.95 billion for 100 million doses, the equivalent of $ 39 for a two-shot immunization, a price that BioNTech has said could become a benchmark for developed nations. . Moderna has said that it is charging between $ 32 and $ 37 per dose for smaller offers and less for larger purchases.
What about logistics and access?
Astra-Oxford has advantages beyond cost when it comes to implementation in low- and middle-income countries. The injection can be kept at refrigerator temperatures, while those from Pfizer and Moderna, based on novel messenger RNA technology, require freezing for longer-term storage and transport.
Why were Astra-Oxford trials delayed?
In early September, trials of the vaccine were halted globally due to safety concerns after a study participant from the UK fell ill. Although studies in countries like Britain quickly resumed, a review by US regulators dragged on for more than a month before the company was allowed to resume in October. These pauses are not uncommon, but in Astra’s case he highlighted how uncertain and unpredictable vaccine development can be.
When will vaccines be available?
Astra CEO Pascal Soriot had said in early November that large-scale vaccines could happen as early as the end of the year. The FDA is expected to spend the next several weeks reviewing Pfizer’s data, and that vaccine could be available in mid to late December. It all depends on whether the full test results support the optimism of the first findings and whether the developers can satisfy regulators.
What are the key questions that remain?
Some of the major unsolved issues are dosage, duration of protection, and the ease with which injections can be implemented. Pfizer and Moderna reported the initial analysis in a press release, not in a peer-reviewed medical journal, which means more comprehensive data is needed to shed light on how well different vaccine regimens work in the elderly and other groups. vulnerable.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is posted from a syndicated channel)
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