PHARMACEUTICALS

BioNTech nearing request for approval of longer-lasting version of COVID vaccine

data packages are being prepared for regulators

Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine are pictured in a General practitioners practice in Berlin, Germany, April 10, 2021.. Reuters

H. J. I. / Reuters

BioNTech is working on getting approval for a version of its COVID-19 vaccine which can be stored in fridges of 2 to 8 degree celsius for up to 6 months, Chief Executive Ugur Sahin said on Tuesday.

-Our first formulation had to be stored and shipped at minus 80 degrees. We have now, in the meantime, a formulation which is not yet approved... which can be stored at two to eight degrees- Sahin told a Financial Times conference panel, adding that data packages were being prepared for regulators.

-We will most likely reach six months stability at two to eight degrees- he said of the vaccine, which is being made with Pfizer (PFE.N).