One of the global companies trialing vaccines for COVID-19 has announced a 90 per cent success rate.
Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech are in the late testing stages for the shot which, so far, has shown to be a leading “candidate” for a vaccine.
American-based Pfizer said in a press release Monday morning that its s vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90 per cent effective at preventing COVID-19.
Its vaccine is among seven that Canada has pre-ordered, however the statement Monday cautioned that there is still a ways to go in the process and any distribution is unlikely before the end of the year.
Even then, any roll out of a vaccine will be rationed to the people who need it the most.
Pfizer’s study enrolled 43,538 participants, with 42 per cent having diverse backgrounds, with no serious safety concerns having been observed.
“Today is a great day for science and humanity. The first set of results from our Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine’s ability to prevent COVID-19,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer chairman and CEO.
“We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time when the world needs it most with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity and economies struggling to reopen.
“With today’s news, we are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis.
“We look forward to sharing additional efficacy and safety data generated from thousands of participants in the coming weeks.”
