Moderna, one of the companies racing to create a vaccine against Covid-19, have released the results of its first phase of clinical trials. The studies reveal that the drug can produce antibodies in adults similar to those seen in younger people. Initial tests also indicate that the drug is safe.
Given that the mortality rate of Covid-19 in older and older adults is higher, this data offers reassuring results.
The common side effects, including headache, fatigue, body aches and chills, are mild to moderate and short term. Two participants however suffered serious adverse reactions.
Now in phase 3, the last stage prior to the approval of the drug, final results may be released by the end of the year.
Moderna is an American pharmaceutical company and one of the companies that signed an agreement with the European Commission. In August this year, the European Commission stated "we are expected to have a contractual framework for the initial purchase of 80 million doses on behalf of all EU member states, as well as an option to purchase an additional 80 million doses, to be delivered once the safety and efficacy of the vaccine against Covid-19 has been proven."
