Early data released today by Pfizer suggests their vaccine candidate is more than 90% effective in preventing against coronavirus infection. The vaccine is being developed in collaboration with German drugmaker BioNTech. Pfizer says their analysis showed the vaccine was able to prevent COVID-19 in the vast majority of volunteers who had no evidence of prior infection. 

The vaccine candidate underwent preclinical tests in mice and nonhuman primates. Those studies showed it produced “strong anti-viral effects.” 

While additional human studies are required, if the most recent data holds up, the candidate would be on par with highly effective vaccines for other diseases such as measles. In addition, the company says no safety concerns have yet been observed. 

More information from the New York Times: Pfizer Stuns Experts With Early Data that Vaccine Is More Than 90% Effective

More information from Pfizer: Pfizer press release