Covid-19 Vaccine: 90% Effective, What Next For Pfizer’s?

What is Pfizer?

Pfizer is a New-York based Big Pharma company. It’s known for its products like Advil, Viagra, Xanax and Zoloft. It was the second-largest pharmaceutical company in revenue in 2017. But the medical industry giant has had its share of legal troubles and scandal.

What Pfizer Claims?

Pfizer has reported that its vaccine, BNT162b2, has been more than 90 per cent effective in late-stage trials. How does it work, and what do the promising results mean for the US and other countries, including India?

“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,” said Albert Bourla, CEO, Pfizer, in a statement upon the release of the results.

“This is a first but critical step as we continue our work to deliver a safe and effective vaccine,” Bourla said.

Why Pfizer’s Ultra-cold Covid-19 Vaccine Will Not Be At The Local Pharmacy Any Time Soon?

Work to distribute the experimental Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE is gearing up after the companies announced successful interim data earlier on Monday, but it will not be coming to local pharmacies for the general public any time soon.
The data, which sent US stocks to record highs, showed that the two companies’ experimental vaccine is 90% effective at preventing Covid-19. They are still awaiting data on safety, which could come later this month.
Pfizer and BioNTech need to get regulators to sign off on the shot before it can start shipping vaccines to those considered most in need by government. Healthcare workers and people living in nursing homes will likely top that list.
But the vaccine’s complex and super-cold storage requirements are an obstacle for even the most sophisticated hospitals in the United States and may impact when and where it is available in rural areas or poor countries where resources are tight.