Developers of a Covid-19 vaccine, Pfizer and BioNTech, have released a preliminary analysis suggesting that the first coronavirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19.
Describing today as a "great day for science and humanity", the analysis suggests that two doses (three weeks apart) are needed. The potential vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries.
According to BBC, the companies plan on applying for emergency approval to use the vaccine by the end of the month. The vaccine in question involves injecting part of the virus's genetic code in order to train the immune system.
https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1325767629890592771
Pfizer believes it will be able to supply 50 million doses by the end of this year and around 1.3 billion by the end of next year.
However, the vaccine has to be kept in ultra-cold storage at below minus 80C, presenting logistical challenges when it comes to distribution.
Chairman of Pfizer Dr Albert Bourla said: "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."
Meanwhile, Prof Ugur Sahin, who is one of the founders of BioNTech, said that this latest development is a "milestone".
BBC reports that The UK has already ordered 30 million doses.
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