Covid-19 vaccine: companies could issue a pledge early next week. (Representative)
Several COVID-19 vaccine developers, including Pfizer Inc, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna Inc, plan to issue a public pledge not to seek government approval until their vaccine candidates are proven to be safe and effective, a the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
Companies would commit to adhering to high scientific and ethical standards in the conduct of clinical studies and in their manufacturing processes, the Journal report said, citing the draft joint statement which is still being finalized.
Businesses could issue a pledge as early as next week, the report added, citing two people familiar with the matter.
The news comes amid growing concerns that political pressure ahead of the Nov. 3 election could weigh on the safety and effectiveness of a potential vaccine against respiratory disease.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Thursday that while the stakes are high for President Donald Trump, who is facing former Vice President Joe Biden, there is no political pressure on the regulator. US health to quickly approve a vaccine.
AstraZeneca Plc, Pfizer and Moderna are among the most advanced in the race to develop vaccines to prevent or limit the severity of COVID-19 infection, with their candidates in advanced stage clinical trials.
Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
