Pfizer and BioNTech are hoping to send the first deliveries of their coronavirus vaccine before Christmas.
The companies reported that more analysis of their mRNA candidate’s late stage trial showed that it is 95 percent effective across several age and ethnic groups. If all goes according to plan, Pfizer/BioNTech are hoping to receive an EUA from the FDA in December, along with an approval in the EU.
Reuters reported that a source said the FDA has tentatively scheduled a committee meeting on the vaccine candidate for Dec. 8-10.
“If all goes well, I could imagine that we gain approval in the second half of December and start deliveries before Christmas, but really only if it all goes positively,” Ugur Sahin, the CEO of BioNTech told Reuters TV.
Meanwhile, Pfizer has been fine-tuning its distribution plans. Rather than working with Operation Warp Speed, Pfizer has created its own distribution network using DHL, FexEx and the United Parcel Service. The company has also innovated its own dry ice shipping containers for its vaccine, which must be stored at around -90F. Pfizer said it is running a pilot delivery program in four states to test its distribution plans.
