Pfizer Says Early Data Shows Their COVID-19 Vaccine To Be 90% Effective

Pfizer is reporting progress with an early peek at their vaccine that may offer some hope.

The company has early data that suggests that their COVID-19 vaccine shots "may be 90% effective" at preventing the disease. While the good news doesn't necessarily mean a vaccine is on the horizon it does offer some optimism based on their analysis.

This interim analysis, from an independent data monitoring board, looked at 94 infections recorded so far in a study that has enrolled nearly 44,000 people in the U.S. and five other countries.

Of course, Pfizer noted that the "initial protection rate" may change by the completion of the study, but early numbers are still leaving doctors very hopeful.

Some are even suggesting it may be the most significant medical advance in the last 100 years.

We’re in a position potentially to be able to offer some hope. We’re very encouraged.

It isn't likely that we will see a vaccine before the end of 2020 and reports suggest initial supplies will be limited, but this early data is definitely welcome news.

Pfizer doesn’t plan to stop its study until it records 164 infections among all the volunteers, a number that the FDA has agreed is enough to tell how well the vaccine is working. The agency has made clear that any vaccine must be at least 50% effective.

See the full report from AP News here.