Vancouver connection to new COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer
Posted November 9, 2020 9:33 pm.
Last Updated November 9, 2020 9:35 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There’s a Vancouver connection to promising news about a vaccine for COVID-19 developed by Pfizer.
The vaccine is reportedly ninety per cent effective in the latest round of clinical trials.
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Dr. Thomas Madden heads up Acuitas Therapeutics, a biotech firm that ensures the vaccine is effectively delivered and has been working on this since February.
“The early clinical trials were certainly encouraging in that they demonstrated a strong immune response to the vaccine,” he says. “What the current trial has shown is that the immune response is protected.”
Madden says there’s hope this vaccine could be ready early next year, but it could take several months until there can be sufficient supplies manufactured to meet all the demand.
This medicine be ready early next year, but it will take many months to produce enough stock to meet global demand.
That’s what @AcuitasTx President and CEO Dr. Thomas Madden tells @NEWS1130.
His #Vancouver bio-tech firm is helping @Pfizer develop a vaccine for #COVID19.— Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) November 10, 2020
He says while it may take a few months, he’s excited the vaccine could provide some protection against the virus, adding it’s a huge accomplishment for all those involved.
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“We’re extremely proud. This is a Canadian technology which is playing a critical role so I hope all Canadians recognize they are contributing to the success of this vaccine.”
He adds more staff have been hired in preparation for other companies developing their own vaccines possibly reaching out for support from his team.
