On the 9th of November, Pfizer made a report that their phase III trials revealed that their vaccine proved over 90% effective. While the data still needs to be revealed, scientists across the country rejoiced in the potential of a vaccine that can quell the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The vaccine is of particular interest being that it is made of mRNA that instructs human cells to make the coronavirus spike protein, a vaccine technique which is relatively new and thus definitely brings safety into question. During the trial thus far, 94 participants have acquired Covid-19 and the trial is expected to continue until 164 Covid-19 cases are detected. At predicted 90% effectiveness, this significantly surpasses the 50% efficacy guideline set by the United States for Emergency Use licensure.
The questions that are yet to be answered are the durability of the vaccine in terms of lasting immunity, the severity of the Covid-19 cases those vaccinated are protected against, and if the vaccine prevents transmission within those with low Covid-19 symptoms. Another key detail missing is if the vaccine protects Covid within the elderly or other specific demographic groups, and it's likely that some generalizations will be made, despite Pfizer's statement that 42% of trial participants come from diverse backgrounds.
It will surely be interesting to see how the results from this trial will affect other vaccine trials and if the Emergency Use Authorization is ultimately the right way to go.
-Sammy
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03166-8
No comments:
Post a Comment