CureVac’s shot was highly anticipated as unlike other mRNA vaccines, it can be stored in regular refrigerators and remains stable for 24 hours at room temperature. German biotech firm CureVac has withdrawn the application for approval of its mRNA vaccine in Europe after disappointing trial results. The company said late-stage trials showed the vaccine had an efficacy of 47%, below the WHO-set threshold for Covid-19 vaccine.
CureVac’s shot, one of the many “slow vaccines” that could have plugged the vaccine gap in the developing countries, was highly anticipated as unlike other mRNA vaccines — of Pfizer and Moderna — it can be stored in regular refrigerators and remains stable for 24 hours at room temperature.
Abandoning the vaccine will allow the company to focus on its second-generation vaccine designed specifically for new variants of the virus and on combination shots that could prevent two or more infectious diseases. Clinical trials for its second-generation shot could start in the coming months, with potential regulatory approval in 2022. Trials in animals showed them to be superior to CureVac's original Covid-19 vaccine.
