Around this time last year, the small company of Novavax was on the verge of closing down. Today, they are one of the world's leading developers of the coronavirus vaccine.
Novavax's vaccine candidate has produced the highest number of antibodies according to vaccine experts. As they enter the final stage of human trials, they will also be testing some participants with the flu vaccine at the same time.
AstraZeneca, already in the late-stage of their phase three vaccine trials, had to pause all trials due to one volunteer developing an unexplained illness. Alongside other Operation Warp Speed Companies, the biopharmaceutical company signed a joint pledge to properly follow scientific and ethical standards in developing a coronavirus vaccine.
The United States continues to struggle with handling the pandemic due to a 'diversity of response' to regulations. However, Dr. Fauci and other experts remain hopeful yet realistic about vaccine developments and drug treatments.
The deal stated that the 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccine is free to Americans, although health care providers could charge for administration. The deal would also allow the federal government to acquire an additional 500 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
As companies selected in the Operation Warp Speed program race in developing a coronavirus vaccine, the FDA released basic guidelines the ensure that it is clinically safe.