The company’s vaccine has shown to be 85% effective against severe forms of the disease. Patients will only need to receive one shot instead of two, as with other vaccines already in use in the U.S.
(Image credit: Mary Altaffer/AP)
A third coronavirus vaccine candidate has requested emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Johnson & Johnson submitted its application Thursday for the company’s single-dose inoculation.
In a statement released Thursday, the company said if emergency use is granted, it aims to supply 100 million doses in the first half of 2021. Unlike Pfizer and Moderna, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine can be stored for at least three months at 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit, compatible with standard vaccine distribution channels, the company said.
It has shown to be 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 four weeks after the shot is administered. Johnson & Johnson said the vaccine was 72% effective in the United States, compared to 66% in Latin America and 57% in South Africa.
However, the vaccine is 85% effective in preventing severe forms of COVID-19. And the efficacy of the treatment increased over time, the company said, with no cases in vaccinated participants after 49 days.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/02/04/964264102/johnson-johnson-applies-for-emergency-use-authorization-for-anti-covid-19-vaccin
