How does Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate compare to Pfizer’s?

US biotech firm Moderna Inc. revealed impressive early trial results, days after similar results released by Pfizer.

Moderna’s initial results of late-stage trial show its COVID-19 vaccine is 94.5% effective. Pfizer last week said its COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective, citing an initial analysis of its late-stage trial.

Moderna’s vaccine can be stored at normal fridge temperatures of 2-8°C for 30 days, Pfizer’s vaccine can be stored at 2-8°C for five days

It allows for storage at most pharmacies, hospitals, or physicians’ offices. The vaccine can be kept at room temperature conditions for up to 12 hours once it is removed from the refrigerator for administration. On the other hand, Pfizer’s vaccine candidate needs ultra-cold storage at around minus 75°C and can be kept in the fridge for five days.

Based on these interim safety and efficacy data, Moderna intends to submit for an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in the coming weeks and anticipates having the EUA informed by the final safety and efficacy data.

The company added that it also plans to submit applications for authorizations to global regulatory agencies.

According to DC, By the end of 2020, the company expects to have approximately 20 million doses of mRNA-1273 ready to ship in the US. The Company remains on track to manufacture 500 million to 1 billion doses globally in 2021.