Vaccine/Antibody updates

[shoothoops]

If, a big if, Pfizer's vaccine becomes available in later 2021, the important part...

"The vaccine will be available for free to all Americans."

Also of note, Pfizer didn't take any federal money and was not a part of operation Warp Speed.

[The Sultan]

Pfizer is the hardest to distribute however.  Two doses and cold storage.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

I didn't know this...from the times article

"We were never part of the Warp Speed," she said. "We have never taken any money from the U.S. government, or from anyone."

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Good to see this quote from the Post report. 

"The results are really quite good, I mean extraordinary," said Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, adding that the results might bode well for a vaccine being developed by biotech firm Moderna and his institute that uses a similar technology, "which gives you hope we might even have two vaccines."

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Also great news.  The fact the virologists are so excited really leave me encouraged.  They have been a tough bunch urging caution with all treatments and developments along the way. 

https://twitter.com/florian_krammer/status/1325806460937392128?s=21

[Galway Eagle]

So when do their trials conclude that this'd even begin to go to production?

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

So when do their trials conclude that this'd even begin to go to production?

I think the latter is already happening.  From what i have read, the trial will continue to conclusion, however this gives them almost enough info to do an emergency use authorization (need a few more weeks of safety data).  That allows them to give it to healthcare workers and high risk in the interim.  For the 'people' this is a 21 event (maybe even mid year or entering fall)

[Galway Eagle]

I think the latter is already happening.  From what i have read, the trial will continue to conclusion, however this gives them almost enough info to do an emergency use authorization (need a few more weeks of safety data).  That allows them to give it to healthcare workers and high risk in the interim.  For the 'people' this is a 21 event (maybe even mid year or entering fall)

So now's the time to carb up to obese levels, start smoking and really play up seasonal asthma if I want to get it?

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

So now's the time to carb up to obese levels, start smoking and really play up seasonal asthma if I want to get it?

I think you would have better luck if you move into a nursing home.

[tower912]

Join your local police/fire/EMS department.   

[GooooMarquette]

This is great news!

As others have mentioned...given the temperature requirements and the need for two doses, we need to be prepared for several more months of masks, social distancing and other precautions. I hope the news doesn't cause the public to let its guard down even further than it already has.

[shoothoops]

So when do their trials conclude that this'd even begin to go to production?

Roughly speaking, if all is successful, and, that is a big if, April ish at the earliest for more mass distribution according to those working on it.

The key takeaway from this story is the more about the 90% efficacy so far which is very encouraging.

The hope is that there could be multiple vaccines available, Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2021.

We'll see.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

This is great news!

As others have mentioned...given the temperature requirements and the need for two doses, we need to be prepared for several more months of masks, social distancing and other precautions. I hope the news doesn't cause the public to let its guard down even further than it already has.

I am just so happy for the healthcare workers.  It's going to be a tough winter and they will be protected.

[forgetful]

I didn't know this...from the times article

"We were never part of the Warp Speed," she said. "We have never taken any money from the U.S. government, or from anyone."

This hasn't stopped those in power from claiming credit.

But the important thing is they need 2 more months of data analysis/collection, and then can begin distribution. Excellent news.

[pacearrow02]

This hasn't stopped those in power from claiming credit.

But the important thing is they need 2 more months of data analysis/collection, and then can begin distribution. Excellent news.

Why 2 more months before they can get EUA at minimum?  Why such a specific timeline needed before distribution?

[cheebs09]

Why 2 more months before they can get EUA at minimum?  Why such a specific timeline needed before distribution?

I would guess the timelines around vaccines are pretty rigid, even when being fast tracked. Regardless of when Inauguration Day is.

[tower912]

Why 2 more months before they can get EUA at minimum?  Why such a specific timeline needed before distribution?

Because there are specific protocols to go through.   Pfizer says they won't be done with their test before the end of November.  Then they will present their findings.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-114500360.html


Actually in the link provided earlier in the thread.    I know, because I read the link before I shared it.   

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Why 2 more months before they can get EUA at minimum?  Why such a specific timeline needed before distribution?

For EUA it is being reported they need a few more weeks (not months) of safety data -- which will give them the 2 months required.

From the NY Times report:

"Pfizer plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of the two-dose vaccine later this month, after it has collected the recommended two months of safety data. By the end of the year it will have manufactured enough doses to immunize 15 to 20 million people, company executives have said."

[forgetful]

Why 2 more months before they can get EUA at minimum?  Why such a specific timeline needed before distribution?

The article I read said they wanted 2 more months of data. I think it was partially inaccurate (likely journalist mis-stating aspects of an interview), in that they need a minimum of 2-months of safety data. Looks to be on track for initial use by late December.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Multiple healthcare profs are highlighting this thread if you want to know what this means and doesn't mean (trial wise) and why continuing the trial is important.

https://twitter.com/nataliexdean/status/1325820512946302977?s=21

[forgetful]

Interesting question now regarding possible shutdowns. Does this change the calculus. We can be reasonably confident now that there will be a vaccine readily available in 3-6 months.

With things as bad as they are, and getting worse. Do you focus on saving lives with another shutdown, knowing that in 3-6 months no more shutdowns would be needed?

If for no other reason, to avoid the risk of a mutated form (see minks) that may be resistant to the vaccine. More spread, more chance of mutation.

[GooooMarquette]

Interesting question now regarding possible shutdowns. Does this change the calculus. We can be reasonably confident now that there will be a vaccine readily available in 3-6 months.

With things as bad as they are, and getting worse. Do you focus on saving lives with another shutdown, knowing that in 3-6 months no more shutdowns would be needed?

If for no other reason, to avoid the risk of a mutated form (see minks) that may be resistant to the vaccine. More spread, more chance of mutation.

From a scientific perspective, you have a great point. There is a very good argument that can be made to shut things down for several weeks to tamp down the current exponential growth, and to reduce the risk of further mutations.

But I fear politicians and the general public will be influenced by the headline, making it a difficult (impossible?) sell. As I indicated earlier, my biggest fear is that this causes even more lax compliance with, and enforcement of, social distancing and mask requirements.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

If I were to bet, from here forward shut-downs are going to be dictated at the local and state level and will be based on hospital stress.  Also, we know more about what needs to close, so more targeted versus blanket.

Like this:

https://kutv.com/news/coronavirus/gov-herbert-declares-new-state-of-emergency-to-address-hospital-overcrowding-case-surge

Also notice who was referenced as providing advice from the the Feds.

All this news makes the Scott Atlas experiment look really silly...

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Really great summary of the implications of today's news. 

https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/09/four-reasons-for-encouragement-based-on-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-results/

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Actually in the link provided earlier in the thread.    I know, because I read the link before I shared it.

Nice