US biotech Moderna has published interim efficacy results from its Phase III trial of mRNA-1273, its vaccine candidate for Covid-19.
This data, which was released by the trial’s data safety monitoring board (DSMB), showed that the trial met its primary efficacy endpoint and the vaccine achieved a 94.5% efficacy. This efficacy analysis is based on 95 cases of Covid-19 – five of which were in the mRNA-1273 group – confirmed within two weeks of the second vaccine dose. The secondary endpoint in the trial focused on analysing severe cases, and findings were included in this interim analysis.
The DSMB did not report any significant safety concerns linked with the vaccine.
Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said: “This is a pivotal moment in the development of our Covid-19 vaccine candidate. Since early January, we have chased this virus with the intent to protect as many people around the world as possible. All along, we have known that each day matters.
“This positive interim analysis from our Phase III study has given us the first clinical validation that our vaccine can prevent Covid-19 disease, including severe disease.
“We look forward to the next milestones of submitting for an EUA [emergency use authorisation] in the US, and regulatory filings in countries around the world, while we continue to collect data on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in the COVE study.”
Moderna has been carrying out its Phase III trial of mRNA-1273 in partnership with the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
