Pfizer to seek emergency vaccine approval Friday
In this Monday, Nov. 23, 2015, file photo, the Pfizer logo is displayed at world headquarters in New York. On Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, Pfizer said an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19.[AP/ Mark Lennihan]
Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech will seek emergency government approval for their coronavirus vaccine, as the U.S. aims to begin administering doses by the end of the year.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said the companies would seek an emergency use authorization Friday from the Food and Drug Administration. The application and clinical trial data will be reviewed by an independent board of scientists before approval is granted.
Pfizer: COVID-19 shot 95% effective, seeking clearance soon
Azar says: “Hope and help are on the way.”
This week the companies said their vaccine was 95% effective.
Moderna is expected to file for emergency approval for its own vaccine candidate in the coming weeks.