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First COVID-19 Vaccines Receiving the US FDA and EMA Emergency Use Authorization

Andra Fortner1, David Schumacher2

  • 1Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany.

Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)
|May 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid development of mRNA vaccines by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna. This commentary reviews their benefits, advantages, and limitations for global health.

Area of Science:

  • Virology and Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The emergence of SARS-CoV-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) in Wuhan triggered a global pandemic due to its high transmissibility.
  • COVID-19 presents with diverse clinical manifestations and can spread asymptomatically, complicating containment efforts.
  • Governments worldwide implemented control measures and invested in countermeasures against the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a concise overview of the two leading mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
  • To discuss the benefits, advantages, and limitations of the BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
  • To comment on the accelerated development and deployment of these critical medical interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of publicly available data on mRNA vaccine technology.
  • Analysis of emergency use authorization information from regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA).
  • Comparative assessment of vaccine characteristics based on published literature.

Main Results:

  • Two mRNA vaccines, developed by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna, received emergency use authorization.
  • These vaccines represent a significant advancement in rapid vaccine development.
  • The commentary highlights key benefits, advantages, and limitations of each vaccine.

Conclusions:

  • mRNA vaccine technology has enabled a swift response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Understanding the benefits and limitations of these vaccines is crucial for public health strategies.
  • Continued monitoring and research are essential for optimizing vaccine efficacy and safety.

Keywords:
COVID-19European Medicines Agency.US Food and Drug AdministrationmRNA vaccinevaccine

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