Pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca (AZN) saw its stock rally 2.3% to £72.73 after US trial data showed just how effective its vaccine is at fighting Covid-19.
The vaccine, developed with Oxford University, confirmed previous encouraging data showing that it is 100% effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation from the pandemic. But also, the Astra jab has proved to be 79% effective at preventing infection in the first place.
This comes as a massive boost after several countries suspended the rollout of the Astra/Oxford vaccine after raising concerns over an elevated risk of blood clots could be one of its side effects. The latest trial evidence showed there was no risk of thrombosis, including the ‘cerebral venous sinus thrombosis’ type which was of most concern.
The US trial analysis was based on 32,449 participants accruing 141 symptomatic cases of Covid-19. It was undertaken in response to the confusion caused by the initial results which involved smaller studies and different dosing regimens.
AGE NO BARRIER TO PROTECTION
The US tests also found no evidence to support concerns that the vaccine was less effective in people over 65, first raised by German authorities. The report showed that the vaccine results were consistent across ethnicity and age groups, achieving 80% effectiveness in participants over 65.
‘This is arguably the first trial for AZD1222 which has shown compelling efficacy in those aged 65 years and older,’ said Shore Capital pharmaceuticals analyst Dr Adam Barker.
Around 20% of US trial participants were 65 years and older and 60% had risk factors for progression to severe Covid-19.
In terms of the new strains Barker said he was confident that AZD1222 can prevent severe illness against all known variants and the data so far is ‘supportive of this assertion.’
The trial involved administering two doses at a four-week interval.
Previous trials have shown that extending the interval to 12 weeks demonstrated greater efficacy, while also having the advantage of accelerating the number of people who can receive their first dose.
