Second COVID Vaccine Enters Stage 3 Testing

A COVID vaccine manufactured by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech will enter Phase 3 testing this month – marking the second potential vaccine funded by the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed to make it to the final stage.

On Monday, Moderna announced the beginning of its large-scale trial with a vaccine that utilizes mRNA to help the immune system recognize COVID.

Both trials are expected to include 30,000 participants from the United States and both have received considerable funding from Operation Warp Speed. 

Moderna has received nearly $1 billion to help fast-track its vaccine and Pfizer/BioNTech signed a $2 billion deal with the government to provide 100 million doses if the vaccine is deemed safe and effective.

“Many steps have been taken towards this important milestone and we would like to thank all those involved for their extraordinary commitment,” says Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech, adding that the companies will “continue to evaluate our other vaccine candidates as part of a differentiated COVID-19 vaccine portfolio.”

Author’s Note: Two potential vaccines have made it to the final stage of testing within mere months after COVID emerged. This would not be possible without Operation Warp Speed.