COVID-19 Vaccine... AstraZeneca for Price and Storage, Pfizer for Effectiveness

Comparing Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca Vaccine Candidates

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Following American pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna, British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca also announced on the 23rd (local time) the results of its Phase 3 clinical trial showing excellent preventive efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine under development.

The COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford in the UK has a lower efficacy rate than Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. However, it is attracting attention due to its low price, ease of storage, and the highest likelihood of domestic introduction.

Pfizer's Preventive Effect Reaches 95.0%... AstraZeneca Wins on Price

The preventive efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine averages 70%. Although this is lower compared to Pfizer (95.0%) and Moderna (94.5%) vaccines, it can increase up to 90% depending on the administration method.

The number of doses is the same for AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines, all requiring two shots. The AstraZeneca vaccine is administered at a minimum interval of one month. Pfizer's vaccine is given again three weeks after the first dose, while Moderna's vaccine is administered at four-week intervals.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is the most affordable. The price per dose is about $4 (4,500 KRW), which is up to one-ninth the price of Moderna's vaccine. Pfizer's vaccine is priced at $19.5 (about 21,700 KRW), and Moderna's vaccine is set between $32 and $37 (about 35,600 to 41,100 KRW).

Moderna and AstraZeneca Vaccines Can Be Stored in Household Refrigerators

There is a significant difference in storage temperatures among AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines. The AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored for up to six months at household refrigerator temperatures (2?8°C). The Moderna vaccine can be stored for six months at around -20°C, close to household freezer temperatures. Pfizer's vaccine requires storage in special freezers, maintaining temperatures below -70°C for up to six months.

The AstraZeneca vaccine uses a 'viral vector' method, whereas Pfizer and Moderna vaccines employ the new 'messenger RNA' (mRNA) technology. Viral vector is a conventional method that uses modified viruses. mRNA involves injecting genetic material to produce antigens, which then trigger antibody production. This method can speed up vaccine development but has not yet been commercialized.

AstraZeneca Entrusts Production to SK Bioscience... Strong Prospect for Domestic Introduction

Based on these interim results, AstraZeneca plans to apply for emergency use authorization in the UK, other European countries, and Brazil. The final Phase 3 results are expected before the 25th of next month. Pfizer applied for emergency use authorization to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the 20th. Moderna is also expected to apply for emergency use authorization to the FDA soon.

Among the vaccines from the three companies, AstraZeneca's product has the highest likelihood of domestic introduction. The government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for tripartite cooperation with AstraZeneca and SK Bioscience in July. Accordingly, SK Bioscience will undertake contract manufacturing (CMO) of AstraZeneca vaccine's bulk and finished products domestically.

The core of the contract is that AstraZeneca will provide some of the vaccines it produces to the domestic market. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated at the time, "We agreed on the intention to work together to supply as much as possible of the domestically produced quantity to our citizens."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.