Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech reported incredible efficacy data from a phase 3 trial for their mRNA coronavirus vaccine candidate last Monday. While the 90% figure inspired much hope, investors should know this was interim data that have not yet been peer-reviewed. This week, Moderna reported equally impressive results for its vaccine candidate that takes a similar approach.
We talked to Dr. Leo Nissola about what this hopeful development means for the world and for investors.
Corinne Cardina: For the next 15 minutes, I am so excited to welcome Dr. Leo Nissola, a Medical Doctor, as well as an Immunotherapy Scientist. Leo, here you are.
Leo Nissola: Hi there.
Cardina: Nice to meet you.
Nissola: Nice to meet you as well. Can you hear me OK?
Cardina: I can. Welcome to Fool Live. Fools, we’re going to talk through the next 15 minutes about all the excitement in the coronavirus vaccine development race and dive into some of the big question on everyone’s mind. Basically, on Monday, we had some really exciting news.
Nissola: We did.
Cardina: Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. They released a press release and they shared new information with the public about their COVID-19 vaccine candidates. A couple of caveats is data has not yet been peer-reviewed, but it’s been heralded as proof-of-concept for these vaccines that take an mRNA approach. Right now, the early data indicates the efficacy, meaning that it accomplishes its goal of preventing COVID-19, it’s more than 90%. For context, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had said 50% would be good enough. Dr. Nissola, can you tell us more about what we found out from Pfizer and BioNTech on Monday.
