COVID-19 vaccine: BioNTech, Pfizer sign deal with US govt to deliver 100 million doses

US company Pfizer Inc. and German firm BioNTech SE on July 22 anunced that y have executed an agreement with government of United States to produce and deliver 100 million doses of BNT162, COVID-19 vaccine candidate jointly developed by both companies. deal has been signed between companies and US Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense. deal will help US government meet goal of Operation Warp Speed program under which 300 million doses of a vaccine for COVID-19 will be delivered across country in 2021. 

US government will pay companies $1.95 billion upon receipt of first 100 million doses, following FDA authorization or approval, said Pfizer in a statement on Wednesday. US government also can acquire up to an additional 500 million doses of ir vaccine candidate BNT162.

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"We’ve been committed to making impossible possible by working tirelessly to develop and produce in record time a safe and effective vaccine to help bring an end to this global health crisis. We made early decision to begin clinical work and large-scale manufacturing at our own risk to ensure that product would be available immediately if our clinical trials prove successful and an Emergency Use Authorization is granted. We are hored to be a part of this effort to provide Americans access to protection from this deadly virus," said Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and CEO. 

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BNT162 vaccine candidates

BNT162 vaccine candidates, which are based on BioNTech's proprietary mRNA techlogy and supported by Pfizer's global vaccine development and manufacturing capabilities, are currently undergoing clinical studies. vaccine candidates are t approved for distribution at moment but both companies are positive of beginning Phase 2b/3 safety and efficacy trial later this month. Following that Pfizer and BioNTech will seek review by October and will produce 100 million doses by end of 2020. 

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