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Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine's Positive Advisory Committee Complicated By Pediatric Issues

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

US FDA expected to quickly clear the first emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine following 17-4 VRBPAC vote, but a disorganized committee ending made it unclear why some members voted no. Pediatric data was at issue for at least two voters, though.

Five advisory committee members opted not to endorse Pfizer's vaccine, but they didn't get a chance to explain why. • Source: illustration based on committee slide

The US Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory committee voted 17-4 with one abstention on 10 December in favor of issuing an emergency use authorization for Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE’s COVID-19 vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older, likely guaranteeing the companies a swift and historic authorization.

But the abruptly curtailed meeting, which ended without the typical explanation of each panelist’s vote, left lingering questions about why nearly 25 percent of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products...

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More from US FDA Performance Tracker

Keep Talking: US FDA’s Beleaguered Biologics Center Remains Vital To Regenerative Medicine

 
• By Bridget Silverman

Advisory committee for Capricor’s deriamocel planned, regenerative medicine advanced therapy designations proliferate for osteoarthritis, and the ranks of dual RMAT/breakthrough therapy designation holders grow.

Maybe In May: US FDA Calls Coming On Moderna Next-Gen COVID-19 Vaccine, AbbVie’s Big ADC Bet

 
• By Bridget Silverman

The 31 May goal date for Moderna’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine looms over the month, but the US FDA's decision lineup includes three more novel agents, including AbbVie's Teliso-V antibody-drug conjugate, as well as supplemental indications like GSK's bid for Nucala in COPD.

AMR-Targeting Drug Secures EMA PRIME Designation

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

Antabio’s next-generation, broad-spectrum antibacterial, MEM-ANT3310, has made it onto the European Medicines Agency’s priority medicines scheme. The company says its product is designed to make a significant impact on the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

US FDA’s Review Performance Held Steady Despite Stormy First Quarter

 
• By Bridget Silverman

Organizational turmoil has not yet affected reviews of novel agent applications, with Q1 2025 approvals coming in low, but the first quarter share of the entire year is variable.

More from Regulatory Trackers

Maybe In May: US FDA Calls Coming On Moderna Next-Gen COVID-19 Vaccine, AbbVie’s Big ADC Bet

 
• By Bridget Silverman

The 31 May goal date for Moderna’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine looms over the month, but the US FDA's decision lineup includes three more novel agents, including AbbVie's Teliso-V antibody-drug conjugate, as well as supplemental indications like GSK's bid for Nucala in COPD.

EU CHMP Opinions And MAA Updates

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

This is an update of recommendations from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use on the authorization of new medicines in the EU, and updates on EU marketing authorization changes recommended by the CHMP.

AMR-Targeting Drug Secures EMA PRIME Designation

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

Antabio’s next-generation, broad-spectrum antibacterial, MEM-ANT3310, has made it onto the European Medicines Agency’s priority medicines scheme. The company says its product is designed to make a significant impact on the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.