Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Vaccine Results Before Election Not Likely, Pfizer CEO Says
The New York Times: Pfizer CEO All But Rules Out Covid-19 Vaccine Before Election Day
After weeks of dangling the possibility of coronavirus vaccine results by October, Pfizer’s chief executive said on Tuesday that would now be nearly impossible. The announcement, by Dr. Albert Bourla, came on the same day that Pfizer announced third-quarter earnings, and all but ruled out the possibility of early results before the presidential election next Tuesday. President Trump had long sought to tie the possibility of positive vaccine news to his own prospects for re-election. (Thomas, 10/27)
Politico: Historic Vaccine Race Meets Harsh Reality
Pfizer’s admission Tuesday that it still doesn’t know whether its coronavirus vaccine works is a dose of reality for the historic global vaccine race. The company’s failure to meet its self-imposed goal — having proof of efficacy in October — is the latest reminder that vaccine development is a long, complicated process that doesn’t stick to political deadlines. Despite the government and drug companies pumping billions of dollars into the vaccine race, getting shots into trials faster than ever before, and enrolling tens of thousands of volunteers in studies, a Covid-19 vaccine could still be months away. (Owermohle, 10/27)
Stat: No News On Pfizer’s Covid-19 Vaccine Is Good News — And Bad News
Pfizer revealed Tuesday that researchers have not yet conducted an analysis of the efficacy of the vaccine it is developing against Covid-19. The announcement is both good news and bad news. (Herper, 10/27)
CNBC: Pfizer’s Late-Stage Coronavirus Vaccine Trial Is Near Complete Enrollment With 42,000 Volunteers
Pfizer’s late-stage coronavirus vaccine trial has enrolled more than 42,000 volunteers, the company announced Tuesday when it released a mixed third-quarter earnings report. It said nearly 36,000 of the volunteers have already received the second of its two-dose Covid-19 vaccine. Pfizer has as been working alongside German drugmaker BioNTech on the experimental vaccine. It contains genetic material called messenger RNA, or mRNA, which scientists hope provokes the immune system to fight the virus. (Lovelace Jr., 10/27)
