[ad_1]
Syracuse, NY – A Syracuse doctor is playing a central role in drugmaker Pfizer’s development of a vaccine against the coronavirus that early data shows may be a blockbuster.
Dr Stephen Thomas of Upstate Medical University is the world’s leading investigator in Pfizer’s investigational drug study. Pfizer announced on Monday that the results of the preliminary study show the vaccine to be more than 90% effective, much better than expected.
Thomas, Upstate’s head of infectious diseases, said he was “incredibly happy” to learn how effective the vaccine was. But he said the study is far from complete and there are still many questions related to security and other issues that need to be answered.
“With a lot of bad news on Covid, it’s a bit of light in an otherwise bleak landscape,” Thomas said.
Pfizer officials said they plan to apply to the FDA later this month for emergency use authorization to release the vaccine. If the evidence strongly suggests that patients would benefit from the vaccine, the FDA may provide this clearance before they have all the evidence to prove the drug’s efficacy and safety.
Before Pfizer takes this step, Thomas will analyze data compiled from approximately 150 sites around the world where the vaccine is administered to volunteers. Thomas said he would give Pfizer his objective opinion after reviewing the information to see if it is accurate and complete.
“This submission to the FDA is important because it is the experimental vaccine pathway for the country,” Thomas said.
An efficacy rate of over 90% is unusual for a vaccine against respiratory disease, Thomas said.
“The flu shot in a good year is only about 50% effective,” he said.
Pfizer asked Thomas two months ago to become its lead global investigator. It was recommended to Pfizer by Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, director of the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland.
Upstate is one of the sites participating in the Pfizer trial. He recruited 300 adult volunteers.
During the pandemic, Thomas oversaw Upstate’s response to the coronavirus.
Dr Mantosh Dewan, President of Upstate, said Thomas’ role in the Pfizer trial “… is a source of pride for all of us.
“He and the work of his colleagues here at Upstate and across the world on this vaccine trial is having a dramatic impact on how we are going to beat this pandemic,” Dewan said.
James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Got a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or [email protected]
[ad_2]
Source link