Excellent analysis of the Moderna news from @nataliexdean. Some thoughts on the implications for #COVID #vaccines in general, reflecting my personal views only. Disclosures at the end. 1/ https://twitter.com/nataliexdean/status/1328356802380124160

Many people are rightly pointing out that the full dataset is needed to fully understand the vaccine profile, and that's absolutely true. But there are a number of conclusions that are unlikely to change between now and a peer-reviewed manuscript. 2/

The impact on severe disease is very encouraging and consistent with what has been seen with other vaccines in the past.

Prevention of severe disease has major implications for morbidity, mortality and the burden on hospitals. 3/ https://twitter.com/rvenkayya/status/1309932127786610691?s=20

Positive results from two vaccines targeting spike protein bodes well for other vaccines in development. More successes will translate to more supply for the world, and a better chance of achieving global equitable access. 4/

@CEPIvaccines @gavi @WHO https://www.gavi.org/covax-facility 

Of course this is good news for mRNA vaccines, but also immunization more broadly. It has major implications for how we deal with vaccine preventable (and not-yet-preventable) diseases today, emerging infectious diseases and the unknown threats of the future. 5/

We're at the start of a renaissance in vaccines, thanks to advances in technology and basic, clinical and regulatory science happening before our eyes. It's the result of sustained commitments to science, a robust innovation ecosystem, and historic public-private partnerships. 6/

Disclosures: I don't have a financial interest in any company developing a COVID vaccine. Takeda has partnered with Novavax to manufacture and distribute their vaccine in Japan, and with Moderna to distribute their vaccine in Japan on a one-time basis. 7/