COVID-19: Pfizer Seeks Vaccine Approval As US Cases Rise

COVID-19: Pfizer Seeks Vaccine Approval As US Cases Rise

US giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech confirmed they would seek approval on Friday to roll out their coronavirus vaccine early as surging infections forced New York to shut schools and California braced for nighttime curfews.

The world is looking to scientists for salvation from the global pandemic but a second wave of infections is prompting a return to the shutdowns and closures that traumatised nations and upturned the global economy at the start of the year.

The first tangible signs of relief could come Friday when Pfizer and BioNTech file an emergency use authorisation request with the US Food and Drug Administration.

“Our work to deliver a safe and effective vaccine has never been more urgent,” Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla said. “Filing in the US represents a critical milestone in our journey to deliver a COVID-19 vaccine to the world.”

The scientific head of the US operation to develop a vaccine said the final green light would probably come in December.