After the promising results of the corona vaccine from pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech, a second vaccine is also approaching the finish. It concerns the vaccine from the University of Oxford and manufacturer AstraZeneca. Difference: it can simply be kept in the refrigerator.
–
Multiple vaccines will be needed to protect the entire world population against the coronavirus, that much is certain. Good news: not just the vaccine BioNTech-Pfizer is almost finished, a second long-awaited vaccine is also at an advanced stage, Bruno Holthof, the Belgian CEO of Oxford University Hospitals, reports in De Zevende Dag. Oxford University is working with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca on a vaccine that, like the Pfizer vaccine, attacks the ‘spine protein’.
‘Our vaccine is in phase three, which means that we are close to the finish line,’ says Holthof. ‘Of course: we only have a vaccine if a regulatory government approves a vaccine.’
In terms of effectiveness, he does not mention percentages, but because the Oxford vaccine is in line with the Pfizer vaccine, there is good hope: the Pfizer vaccine appears to work in nine out of ten test subjects – the company announced last Monday.
‘Both vaccines target the spine protein,’ says Holthof, ‘which the virus uses to enter cells. The high degree of protection of Pfizer is therefore also good news for the other vaccines, which will all induce an immune response against that spine protein, which means that it was the right choice to put that first. ‘
Ordinary refrigerator.
Unlike the competitor of Pfizer and BioNTech, the vaccine from Oxford and AstraZeneca should not be wasted -80 degrees Celsius transported and stored. So there is no tons dry ice required. An ordinary refrigerator is sufficient, so the logistical distribution will be a lot easier. ‘Although such an ultra-cold chain is feasible, certainly in countries such as Belgium and Great Britain. For Africa, South America or some countries in Asia that may of course be an impossible task. ‘
In England, where Holthof works, they have been busy with the logistical planning since the summer to be able to vaccinate all people. ‘We have had that in mind since January, all hospitals, GPs, etc. have already been asked to be ready. It is important that all countries start thinking about how they will tackle and roll out their vaccination campaign. ‘
Number three
In any case, the vaccines will come too late for Christmas as we are used to, says Bruno Holthof. Incidentally, there is a third vaccine in the final phase: that of Moderna would also do well and also has an effect on the spine protein.
The good results arouse enthusiasm all over the world, but there are still a few open questions. For example, it is not yet clear how long the vaccine will protect an vaccinated person, and whether it will equally protect younger and older individuals. There is also a serious shortage of syringes worldwide.
– .
