mRNA-1273 Vaccine Shows 94.5% Efficacy in Preventing Symptomatic COVID-19

Strategic Insights -

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Moderna, Inc. have announced that their joint Phase 3 trial of the mRNA-1273 vaccine candidate has produced promising results, with an interim analysis suggesting that the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in adults. The data, reviewed by an independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) on November 15, 2020, indicates a vaccine efficacy rate of 94.5%.

Key Takeaways:

  • The interim analysis comprised 95 cases of symptomatic COVID-19 among volunteers, with 90 occurring in the placebo group and 5 in the vaccinated group.
  • 11 cases of severe COVID-19 were reported, all of which occurred in the placebo group.
  • The mRNA-1273 vaccine candidate was developed by Moderna, Inc., in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH.
  • The vaccine candidate combines Moderna's mRNA delivery platform with the stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike immunogen (S-2P) developed by NIAID scientists.
  • The Phase 3 trial, known as COVE, has enrolled over 30,000 participants at 100 clinical research sites in the United States.
  • 37% of trial volunteers are from racial and ethnic minorities, and the study was designed to enroll a diverse pool of participants.
  • The COVE trial is sponsored by Moderna, with funding and technical support provided by BARDA and NIAID.

Statistics:

  • 95 cases of symptomatic COVID-19 among volunteers in the interim analysis.
  • 90 cases of symptomatic COVID-19 in the placebo group.
  • 5 cases of symptomatic COVID-19 in the vaccinated group.
  • A vaccine efficacy rate of 94.5%.
  • 11 cases of severe COVID-19, all of which occurred in the placebo group.

Sources:

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Moderna, Inc.
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
  • BioMedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • Operation Warp Speed (OWS)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) press release (issued Nov 16, 2020)

Additional information about the trial can be found at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT04470427).