The Vaccine Race: Who Gets One First?; Novavax, Moderna Report Progress
The CDC proposes guidelines for who in the U.S. will have first access to a COVID-19 vaccine — once one is approved. Meanwhile, Novavax is reportedly eyeing December to apply for authorization of its vaccine candidate, while Moderna shows promising trial results in older adults.
CNBC:
CDC Proposes Guidelines For Distributing Coronavirus Vaccine In The U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday proposed guidelines for distributing a coronavirus vaccine in the United States if and when one is approved for public use. The guidelines, unveiled during a presentation at the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting, would prioritize health-care workers, essential personnel and vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. (Lovelace Jr., 8/26)
The New York Times:
What If The First Coronavirus Vaccines Aren’t The Best?
Dozens of research groups around the world are playing the long game, convinced that their experimental vaccines will be cheaper and more powerful than the ones leading the race today. (Zimmer, 8/27)
NPR:
COVID-19 Vaccine May Pit Science Against Politics
Under normal circumstances, it could take years — if not decades — to bring a new vaccine to market. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all that. In May, the Trump Administration launched Operation Warp Speed with the goal of delivering initial doses of a safe and effective vaccine by January, 2021 --shortening the development time from years to months. Some worry that to meet that ambitious schedule, the Administration might cut important scientific corners. They fear that President Trump could announce an "October surprise"-- declaring that a vaccine works before it has passed scientific muster in order to enhance his reelection chances. (Palca, 8/27)
In developments on specific vaccines —
Reuters:
Novavax CEO Expects Filing For COVID-19 Vaccine Approval In December: Paper
Novavax Inc expects filing for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the United States in December, Chief Executive Stanley Erck said in an interview for Czech daily Hospodarske Noviny, released on Thursday. The company plans to produce part of the vaccine at its Czech plant, which will give the country access to the product once it is approved, the paper cited Erck as saying. (8/27)
Politico:
Moderna Coronavirus Vaccine Shows Strong Immune Response In Older Adults
Moderna's coronavirus vaccine candidate appears to be safe and produce a strong immune response in older adults, according to new data from an early trial presented by the company at a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meeting today. The study of 20 adults over the age of 55 found that almost two months after receiving the second of two vaccine doses, participants had antibody levels higher than those of people who have recovered from Covid-19. (Brennan and Wheaton, 8/26)
CNBC:
Moderna Says Its Coronavirus Vaccine Shows Promising Results In Small Trial Of Elderly Patients
The company tested its vaccine on 10 adults between the ages of 56 and 70 and 10 elderly adults aged 71 and older, Moderna said. Each participant received two 100 microgram doses of the vaccine 28 days apart. The volunteers produced neutralizing antibodies, which researchers believe are necessary to build immunity to the virus, and T-cells, Moderna said in its results, which have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, the antibodies that were produced were higher than those seen in people who have recovered from Covid-19. (Lovelace Jr. , 8/26)
