Covid vaccine is “90% effective” in trials

A vaccine developed jointly by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech was 90% effective in preventing Covid-19 infections in ongoing Phase 3 trials. 

Both companies made the announcement today on the progress of a much sought after vaccine.

In a statement Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said:

“The first set of results from our Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine’s ability to prevent Covid-19.

“We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis.

“We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development programme at a time when the world needs it most.”

The companies say they expect to supply up to 50 million vaccine doses globally in 2020, and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Pfizer last week announced it was creating about 300 jobs at its manufacturing sites in Grange Castle in Co Dublin, Newbridge in Co Kildare and Ringaskiddy in Co Cork.

They said they are investing €300m in their Irish operations to support the further development of the three sites.