The AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine (AZD1222) is highly effective in preventing the disease based on the interim clinical trial results, which were analyzed by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board.
On Sunday, AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ: AZN) and Oxford University disclosed that their COVID-19 vaccine is up to 90% effective for one of the two dosing regimens tested on participants in the phase 3 study. In this dosing regimen, participants were given a half dose then followed by a full dose at least one month apart.
The other dosing regimen, in which participants were given two full doses at least one month apart, is 62% effective.
Combining the analysis from both data, the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine has an average efficacy rate of 70%. Participants in the clinical tolerated both dosing regimens and did not experience serious safety events related to the vaccine.
AstraZeneca is now preparing to submit the data to regulators worldwide to obtain approvals for the vaccine. The pharmaceutical company said it is making great progress in manufacturing. Its goal is to produce 3 billion by 2021.
