Pfizer-BioNTech has said that they are seeking regulatory approval for the third dose of the vaccine from the FDA, EMA and other regulatory authorities.
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine
Pfizer-BioNTech announced on Thursday that it will seek regulatory approval for the third dose of its vaccine. According to a statement, this demand of the companies has come after the initial data of the ongoing trial. In this trial, it has been found that the level of antibodies against the coronavirus strain and beta variant increases five to 10 times more with the third dose as compared to the two doses.
The companies are expecting to publish more data soon, the statement said. It will also be published in a peer-reviewed magazine. In addition, the US is planning to submit data to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency) and other regulatory authorities in the coming weeks. Companies hope that the third dose is also effective against the more rapidly spreading Delta variant, which is rapidly spreading in countries around the world.
Vaccine to fight Delta variant is being prepared
Pfizer-BioNtech is also preparing a vaccine (Delta-specific vaccine) keeping the delta variant in mind. The first batch of such a vaccine is being produced at BioNTech’s facility in Mayenz, Germany. Companies expect clinical trials to start from August, after which regulatory approvals will be sought. Pfizer-BioNtech said that based on the decline in efficacy of the vaccine after six months in Israel, they believe a third dose may be needed within six to 12 months of being fully vaccinated.
Delta variant is spreading worldwide
The company’s statement said, for six months after the vaccine was administered, protection against serious diseases like corona existed among people. But there has been a decline in efficacy over time and new variants are expected to emerge in the coming times. It is worth noting that the delta variant is spreading rapidly all over the world. Due to this, lockdown has to be imposed again in many countries. Apart from this, other variants of the virus have also increased the trouble of the governments. Because of this, other vaccines are now being looked at to fight the virus. At present, the vaccine seems to be the only weapon to eliminate the virus.
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