Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE have asked the U.S. health regulator to relax requirements for their COVID-19 vaccine to be stored at ultra-low temperatures, potentially allowing it to be kept in pharmacy freezers. The current label requires the vaccine to be stored at temperatures between -80ºC and -60ºC (-112ºF to -76ºF), meaning it has to be shipped in specially designed containers. The FDA confirmed that it had received Pfizer’s request and said changes to the vaccine’s authorization must be requested by a company and include data supporting the change. If approved, the less onerous storage requirements would provide significant logistical relief. If proven correct, this could make rollout of the vaccine easier in all countries, and particularly in low-income ones,” it said.

Source: Standard Digital February 19, 2021 18:33 UTC