(Reuters) – Pfizer Inc. plans to leverage gene-based technology behind its successful COVID-19 feature to develop new vaccines for other viruses, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
The drug maker, which developed the COVID-19 vaccine with German partner BioNTech SE, is set to undertake mRNA technology on its own after its experience last year, Albert Bourla told the newspaper , CEO of Pfizer.
Pfizer told Reuters the WSJ report was accurate, but declined to comment on the new viruses it wanted to target.
The COVID-19 vaccine, based on BioNTech’s mRNA platform, showed more than 90% efficacy in trials and is playing an important role in controlling the pandemic that has killed nearly 3 million people. all over the world.
Along with another mRNA-based trait, developed by Modern Inc., the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been licensed for emergency use in the United States and Europe, the first application of the technology outside of clinical trials.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines work by inserting synthetic mRNA that instructs cells to make proteins or protein bits of a pathogen, which drives the immune system to act.
The success of the technology has led drug developers to consider its use beyond vaccines, including cancer treatment, which will attract billions of dollars in investment.
“We consider it a great recognition that companies like our partner Pfizer are involved in building their own mRNA vaccine strategy,” a BioNTech spokeswoman told Reuters.
Shares in the United States of BioNTech fell above 3%.
Other companies such as Germany’s CureVac NV, Gilead Sciences, Sanofi and Translate Bio are also developing mRNA-based vaccines and therapies.
Pfizer’s current vaccine business, which includes its Prevnar 13 pneumonia vaccine, grossed nearly $ 6.58 million, about 16% of the drug maker’s total sales last year.
Reports from Manojna Maddipatla to Bengaluru, Douglas Busvine to Berlin; Edition by Anil D’Silva, Maju Samuel and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty