September 16, 2021
Life Sciences
  • Ahead of an advisory meeting tomorrow, FDA scientists released documents expressing doubt about whether COVID-19 booster shots are necessary right now. In their review, agency staff said if Pfizer’s vaccine is “still effective at preventing important COVID-19-related outcomes, then the benefit of booster vaccination is likely to be more limited.” The advisory meeting tomorrow will help determine whether the FDA authorizes extra doses and for whom. (Documents here; Articles here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here)
  • Moderna said wide use of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots is supported by additional data on “breakthrough” COVID-19 cases. A new analysis from the drug maker’s phase three study shows that the incidence of breakthrough cases was less frequent in a group of trial participants who were inoculated between December and March vs. trial participants who were vaccinated in July through October of last year. There were also fewer severe cases of Covid-19 in the group that received the vaccine more recently. (Article here)