CAPE TOWN- A Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech was 90% effective in preventing people from infection during the
ongoing Phase 3 trials.
The trial involved over 43 thousand volunteers from six countries who received either two doses of the vaccine or a placebo. Preliminary findings in the trial found that protection in patients was achieved one week after the second of two doses, and 28 days after the first.
Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement: "The results demonstrate that our mRNA-based vaccine can help prevent Covid-19 in the majority of people who receive it. This means we are one step closer to potentially providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global pandemic."
Bourla said the results are a first but critical step in their work to deliver a safe and effective vaccine.
"We look forward to sharing additional updates in the coming weeks and will continue to work closely with regulatory authorities to provide access to our anticipated vaccine for those who need it most," he said.
The Covid-19 pandemic began over eight months ago, has infected over 50 million people and has caused 1.2 million deaths.
"We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time when the world needs it most," said Bourla.
https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1325767629890592771
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