Will be available in the summer

"Pfizer" prepares an easy-to-store version of its Corona vaccine

During the production of the Pfizer vaccine in Bors.

EPA

Pfizer is preparing to produce a version of its anti-corona virus vaccine that can be stored for months at the temperature of a classic medicine-preserving refrigerator, instead of -70 degrees now this summer, according to what its CEO, Albert Burla, confirmed to AFP.

In an interview with the Bors plant in Belgium, which has become an important platform for the global production of the "Pfizer-Biontech" vaccine, the head of the giant American pharmaceutical company said that he was "optimistic" about the ability of the vaccine to confront the Indian mutant, and he defended the price policy adopted by the company.

Albert Burla said: “We have data on the British mutant, which is widespread in Israel, for example, and the effectiveness of the vaccine against it is 97%.

In South Africa, the vaccine is 100% effective against the local mutant.

The data from Brazil shows that it provides a very good immunization against the Brazilian mutant. ”

He added: “With regard to the new mutant that was detected in India, we do not have any data, but I am optimistic about our ability to control it. We have developed a process that allows obtaining an effective vaccine within 100 days of the emergence of a mutant that is a source of concern, and I am satisfied with this difficult goal, given the technical effectiveness. Messenger DNA ».

On the difficulty of storing the vaccine at -70 degrees Celsius, Albert Burla said: “We are trying to find out if we can extend the cooling time during which the vaccine can be removed from super-refrigerators at minus 70 degrees and put in a classic medicine refrigerator at 20 degrees below zero.

It is possible now for two weeks ».

He indicated that the company is working on another, greatly improved formula with which the vaccine can be supplied diluted and ready for use.

It will be stored for two to three months in the refrigerator at two to eight degrees, in addition to two to three months in traditional medicine coolers. The company is expected to reach that this summer.

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