The group outside of Eric Joseph (who covers Novavax) provides a weekly US Biotechnology update... here are some highlights from this weeks report. 

 

Notable Developments for COVID-19 Candidates

 

For BNT162 (BNTX)… There were a number of updates this week around BNT162. (1) BNTX and partner PFE published additional neutralizing titer data against the B.1.1351 South African variant that was found to be weaker by about two-thirds relative to other strains. While this is lower than previously reported, it still remains above mRNA-1273 (see updated Figure 2). Regardless, efficacy studies need to be performed to understand the real world impact of the variant on vaccine efficacy. (2) The companies agreed to supply the EU with an add’l 200M doses, totaling 250M in 2021. (3) A study was initiated in 4,000 pregnant women. (4) Further stability data was submitted to the FDA that would support storage at -13°F to 5°F (your typical freezer) for two weeks. (5) An observational study of BNT162 in Israeli healthcare workers found the vaccine to be 85% effective against symptomatic infection 15-28 days after administration of a single dose. This could increase the calls to delay the second dose.