Moderna Would Never Release Vaccine Data Different from ‘Reality’

Moderna (MRNA) may have been unfairly hit.

Earlier this week, the COVID-19 vaccine stock plummeted from a high of $87 to $73.  All after STAT News noted that some vaccine experts were skeptical of the MRNA data.  In fact, they noted Moderna study did not provide critical information to assess effectiveness.  

“The statnews.com report states that data from only eight patients out of total 45 and also only two weeks of data following the second dosage also raise concerns related to the durability of the data. Data on majority of patients as well as longer-term data will likely provide clarity on the vaccine’s efficacy. However, we note that the phase I study primarily evaluates a candidate’s safety in human volunteers rather than efficacy.”

However, according to MRNA Chairman Noubar Afeyan, Moderna would never put out data that was “different from reality,” as quoted by CNBC.  “We take what we do very seriously. We would not, have not put out some of the data to make anything look any different from the reality.” 

Despite the criticism, Moderna is expected to launch Phase II trials in coming weeks.  Phase III is expected to begin by July 2020.