Supporting Science in a world of COVID-19

Whilst we are still living in a world largely dominated by COVID-19, here at Baker, we feel it’s important to still continue to support those who have dedicated their careers to patient and clinical care across the globe!As vaccines programs are rolled out in many countries, the hope for a new normality is on the horizon.At Baker, we have been #SupportingScience since 1951 and with new vaccines, therapeutics and discoveries now worldwide, we will continue to do so now more than ever!

1. The EMA Supports Authorization for Moderna Vaccine

Having assessed the quality, safety and efficacy of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine candidate, the EMA recommended a conditional marketing authorization. This authorization will assure EU citizens that the vaccine meets EU standards. The trials of the mRNA-1273 vaccine previously proved that it was particularly effective in preventing COVID-19 in people over the age of 18.Source

2. Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

Last week, the NIAID announced the commencement of the Phase III trial of the Novavax investigational COVID-19 vaccine. The trial is expected to evaluate the effectiveness, immune response and safety of the vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) and is estimated to complete all data by the end of March. Developed alongside the Department of Defense, the aim is to accelerate the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. Source

3. Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine

Made from a weakened version of a common cold virus, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine candidate has been modified to look like Coronavirus, although it cannot cause illness. Prior to the pandemic, Oxford University researchers had done a large amount of research on the development of a vaccine which could be adapted to tackle a range of different diseases. The first dose of the vaccine has now been administered within the UK, following the roll out of the Pfizer vaccine. Source

4. Israel’s Health Ministry Gives Authorizes Moderna’s Vaccine

Israel’s MOH has authorized the use of Moderna’s vaccine. Securing 6 million doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine, first deliveries are expected to begin soon. Having already secured doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the start of the pandemic, Israel is now winning the race when it comes to inoculation rates having inoculated a higher proportion of its population than any other country. Source

5. Akston Biosciences & LakePharma

Under their new partnership, LakePharma will manufacture Akston’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidate, AKS-452. Compared with other vaccines, which need refrigeration or deep-freezing during transportation and storage, this vaccine candidate proved shelf-stable for weeks at an average room temperature of up to 37°C. This factor will aid in easing the distribution process and is vital for inoculating billions of people without needing complicated cold-chain transportation. Source

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Sources

1. https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/Article/2021/01/06/EMA-supports-authorization-of-Moderna-COVID-19-vaccine
2. https://www.genengnews.com/news/novavax-candidate-covid-19-vaccine-moves-into-phase-iii-trial/
3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55302595
4. https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/Article/2021/01/05/Israel-s-health-ministry-has-given-Moderna-s-COVID-19-vaccine-the-green-light
5. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/akston-lakepharma-covid-vaccine/