AstraZeneca has updated the efficacy result of its coronavirus vaccine trial in the US after health officials questioned the figures.
Interim data published on Monday had put the vaccine’s efficacy rate at 79% but had not included more recent infections, leading to a highly unusual public rebuke from U.S health officials.
The latest data was based on 190 cases of coronavirus among more than 32,400 participants in the United States, Chile and Peru. The earlier interim data was based on 141 infections up until February 17.
“The primary analysis is consistent with our previously released interim analysis, and confirms that our COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective in adults,” Mene Pangalos, the executive vice president of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca said in a statement.
AstraZeneca said the vaccine showed 85% efficacy in adults 65 years and older, higher than the 80% rate reported on Monday.
It added that the latest data has been presented to the independent trial oversight committee, the Data Safety Monitoring Board, and it plans to submit the analysis for peer-reviewed publication in the coming weeks.
The vaccines developer said it now looked forward to getting US regulatory approval.
