BioNTech and Pfizer have announced positive efficacy data from an interim analysis of their Phase 3 COVID-19 trial results.
Based on the interim analysis, the vaccine was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19. Phase 3 of the trial encompassed testing the vaccine for safety and efficacy on 43,538 people around the world.
This exciting news comes with a strong Vancouver connection. Acuitas Therapeutics played a key role in the development of this urgently needed messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine.
Acuitas Therapeutics has a global reputation for their work in developing lipid nanoparticles (LNP) – tiny “delivery vehicles” that protect the mRNA vaccine after it is injected. Acuitas’ proprietary LNP carry the mRNA. In simple terms, it takes the mRNA safely through the body and delivers it into our cells, placing it exactly where it needs to be. The Acuitas LNP delivery system is a key component of mRNA vaccines.
“The announcement of positive interim results in the BioNTech and Pfizer Phase 3 COVID-19 trial is great news for the world. This is a devastating and deadly virus, and this news means that – upon regulatory approvals – the ability for a vaccine to be available globally is much closer. While it will take time for regulatory approvals in each country and for enough of the vaccine to be produced, distributed and administered to people, this is a big step forward in ending this pandemic,” said Acuitas Therapeutics President and CEO, Dr. Thomas Madden.
“The quality of the data from this large trial speaks to the efficacy and safety of this vaccine. We are honoured that our proprietary LNP was used in this urgently needed vaccine by our partner, BioNTech. We are excited that this clinical data shows us that this vaccine will help us to eradicate COVID-19, a horrific virus that has taken 1.2 million lives worldwide and has devastated families and communities in every corner of the world.”
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