Johnson & Johnson on Thursday filed an application for emergency use authorization for the single-shot coronavirus vaccine, which brought it closer to helping the United States fight the virus.
The next step is for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to convene a meeting of its vaccine advisory panel to review the evidence, which could happen in as little as two weeks.
In a statement, the company said it “expects to have the product available for shipment immediately after authorization,” but did not specify how much. It still expects to meet its commitment to supply 100 million doses by mid-year.
“Following the authorization of our COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, we are ready to begin transportation. With our submission to the FDA and our ongoing reviews with other health authorities around the world, we are working very urgently to make our research vaccine available to the public as soon as possible, “Paul Stoffels, executive chairman and scientific director of Johnson & Johnson, said in a statement.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna two-dose vaccines, which means it will be easier to distribute.
It is also much easier to store; it is estimated that firing will remain stable for two years at less than 4 degrees Fahrenheit and will remain stable for at least three months in most standard refrigerators at temperatures of 36 to 46 degrees.
In contrast, the Pfizer vaccine should be stored in ultra-cold freezers that keep it between 112 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The Moderna vaccine should be sent between 13 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit
Data from the Johnson & Johnson phase three clinical trial showed that it was 66% effective in preventing moderate or severe disease, and experts, including Anthony Fauci
Anthony FauciJohnson & Johnson requests emergency use of COVID-19 vaccine Excuses for COVID-19 vaccine do not add up Night defense: new START extended for five years Austin orders “stop” to fight extremism | The group recommends that Biden delay the withdrawal from Afghanistan MORE, the nation’s leading infectious disease physician, praised him as an important tool in the American arsenal.
Experts noted that Johnson & Johnson figures should not be used as a direct comparison with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which were found to be 95% and 94% effective, respectively.
However, there is a warning sign of the variant found in South Africa; efficacy fell from 72% in the United States to 57% in South Africa, where a new variant of coronavirus prevails.
This new variant has been more resistant to vaccines, causing concern among experts. However, a number of vaccines are likely to provide protection against the variant.
Experts say the best way to prevent other more potentially dangerous mutations and variants is to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible, as more immune people are less likely to spread and evolve the virus.
With its relatively easy storage requirements and ease of administration, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine could be a real help if authorized and given to enough people quickly enough.