Connect with us

News

Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 90 Percent Effective

Published

on

Coronavirus 2

Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 90 Percent Effective

In what could be an end to the COVID-19 menace, Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech latest vaccine has been found to be more than 90 percent effective in coronavirus.

The good news is that the vaccine could be available by the end of the year if authorities approve it.

Pfizer and BioNTech result was the first independent analysis of any COVID-19 vaccine in phase 3 trials— the final stage before commercial licensing. Out of the 43,000 trial participants, the small number who were infected enabled the independent evaluators to calculate the effectiveness after two doses.

“To me, this is the best possible outcome,” Ugur Sahin, co-founder and chief executive of BioNTech told the Financial Times, while Pfizer boss Albert Bourla said it was “a great day for science and humanity”.

The drug is expected to be submitted to authorities for emergency approval in the third week of November, ahead of other vaccine developers. Former vaccine frontrunner Moderna does not expect to have the trial data required to go for approval until November 25, while AstraZeneca’s partnership with the University of Oxford expects results by the end of this year.

Pfizer shares jumped almost 15 per cent in pre-market trading in New York, while Nasdaq-listed BioNTech rose 25 per cent.

The Pfizer results far exceed the US Food and Drug Administration’s criteria for approving a Covid-19 vaccine, which mandates an efficacy of at least 50 per cent in placebo-controlled trials. No vaccine is 100 per cent effective, according to the World Health Organization.

Pfizer and BioNTech said that up to 50m doses of the vaccine — which would be the first vaccine to use novel mRNA technology — could be manufactured this year, and a further 1.3bn doses produced in 2021.

Global equity markets rallied sharply after Pfizer’s announcement, led by travel and leisure companies that have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus crisis.

British Airways parent IAG soared by a third in London, while Air France KLM jumped 30 per cent in Paris and Ryanair climbed 16 per cent in Dublin. Oil prices, which have been knocked by the pandemic’s effects on demand for fuel, also added to earlier gains. Brent crude, the international standard, was up 8.5 per cent at $42.83 in recent trading.

The US has secured orders for 100m doses of the shot, with an option to acquire another 500m, while the UK has an agreement to procure 30m doses. A deal for the supply of 200m doses to the EU is under negotiation.

Mr Sahin said BioNTech and Pfizer would “use a fair approach” when it came to distributing the first doses of the vaccine, adding that they would prioritise deliveries to countries where it had been approved for use.

“This looks really good,” said Ian Jones, professor of virology at the University of Reading. “Of all the current vaccine currently in development the BioNTech product always looked like the most bang-per-buck as it is entirely focused on the part of the virus that binds to the human cell, the receptor binding domain.”

“The questions around its use were about the ability to manufacture at scale and the possible toxicity associated with a directly injected RNA product. The trial data show excellent results on both of those areas, really impressive protection and no reported adverse events,” he added.

Brendan Wren, professor of vaccinology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said 90 per cent efficacy was “excellent for a new vaccine”, while adding a note of caution. “It is a case of ‘so far so good’ but more confirmatory safety and efficacy studies are required.”

BioNTech’s Mr Sahin said he expected the vaccine’s immune response to last for “at least one year”, adding that the vaccine-induced antibodies were shown to block about 20 different mutations of Sars-Cov-2. “There’s a very low likelihood that a [mutation of] the virus can overcome the immune response,” he predicted.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

Continue Reading
Comments

News

How to Modify NIN Data: Date of Birth, Name, and More

Published

on

In Nigeria, the National Identification Number (NIN) is a crucial identification tool used for various official purposes.

However, errors or changes in personal information may occur over time, necessitating modifications to the NIN data.

Fortunately, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced a convenient solution – a mobile application that allows individuals to modify their NIN data from the comfort of their homes.

Why Modify NIN Data?

Errors in personal information on your NIN can lead to complications in official transactions, including banking, telecommunications, and government services. It’s essential to ensure that your NIN reflects accurate and up-to-date details to avoid any inconvenience.

Steps to Modify NIN Data

  1. Download the NIMC Mobile App: Start by downloading the NIMC mobile application from the designated app store on your smartphone.
  2. Registration/Login: If you are a new user, register on the app by providing the required information. For existing users, log in using your credentials.
  3. Enter NIN and Details: Once logged in, enter your NIN, last name, and email address to access the data modification channel.
  4. Select Modification Options: The app allows you to modify various details, including your name, date of birth, mobile number, house address, and email address. Choose the information you wish to update.
  5. Submit Changes: After making the necessary modifications, review the changes and ensure accuracy. Then, submit the updated information through the app.
  6. Confirmation: Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation message acknowledging the changes made to your NIN data.

Benefits of the NIMC Mobile App

  • Convenience: With the mobile app, you can modify your NIN data anytime, anywhere, without visiting NIMC offices.
  • Accuracy: Ensure that your NIN reflects accurate information, minimizing discrepancies in official transactions.
  • Time-Saving: Avoid long queues and bureaucratic processes by using the app for quick data modifications.

Conclusion

The NIMC mobile app offers a hassle-free solution for individuals seeking to modify their NIN data. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your NIN reflects correct and updated information, facilitating smoother interactions in various sectors.

Embrace the convenience of digital innovation and make necessary modifications to your NIN data with ease.

Continue Reading

News

Aliko Dangote Foundation Launches N15bn Food Intervention Programme

Published

on

Aliko Dangote - Investors King

In a bid to alleviate hunger and address the economic challenges facing Nigeria, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has announced the launch of a N15 billion food intervention programme.

The initiative spearheaded by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, aims to provide essential food items to vulnerable communities across the country.

The food intervention programme was officially unveiled during a ceremony in Kano on Saturday, where Mr. Dangote emphasized the importance of compassion and solidarity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

He highlighted the significance of all stakeholders, including individuals and institutions, in supporting the government’s efforts to tackle hunger and promote social justice.

This intervention, estimated to benefit over one million people, will see the distribution of 10kg bags of rice across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Mr. Dangote emphasized that the programme’s modalities involve collaboration with state and local governments, as well as community partners, to ensure effective delivery of the food items to the most vulnerable individuals, irrespective of their background.

Also, the Aliko Dangote Foundation will distribute 10,000 iftar meals during Ramadan in Kano municipality, further extending its support to those in need during this auspicious month.

The foundation’s commitment to humanitarian efforts extends beyond food relief, as it has been providing daily bread relief programmes since 2020, producing and distributing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos states.

The launch ceremony was attended by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who commended Mr. Dangote’s philanthropic gesture and urged other wealthy individuals and businesses to emulate the Dangote Group’s example in supporting the government’s efforts to alleviate economic hardship in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Education

International Students in Germany Get Pre-Study Work Rights Under New Law

Published

on

University - Investors King

Germany has implemented a new segment of its revamped skilled worker law, granting international students significant pre-study work rights.

This move aims to attract skilled workers from various sectors while fostering integration and easing financial burdens for students.

Under these fresh regulations, non-EU citizens applying for study visas can now arrive in Germany up to nine months before their studies commence.

During this period, which was previously not permitted for work, students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.

This change particularly benefits prospective students from developing countries, offering them the opportunity to support themselves financially while preparing for their academic pursuits.

The revised skilled worker law also extends its support to individuals interested in apprenticeships in Germany.

Third-country nationals seeking apprenticeships can now reside in the country for nine months, provided they demonstrate a B1-level proficiency in German and are below the age of 35.

During this preparatory period, they are permitted to engage in part-time work, laying the groundwork for their transition into full-time training once they secure an apprenticeship position.

Moreover, the new regulations enhance work opportunities for international students already enrolled in German institutions.

The permitted work duration for students has been extended from 120 to 140 full days in any calendar year, equivalent to 20 hours per week, or 280 half days per calendar year.

This adjustment acknowledges the financial challenges students may face and provides them with greater flexibility to manage their expenses.

In addition to pre-study work rights, graduates of German universities now benefit from an extended post-graduation stay of 18 months for job hunting.

This extended period offers graduates ample time to seek employment opportunities within Germany, with the option to apply for permanent residence after two years of continuous employment.

Overall, these amendments to Germany’s skilled worker law underscore the country’s commitment to attracting and retaining international talent.

By providing enhanced work opportunities and support mechanisms for students and graduates, Germany aims to strengthen its position as a hub for global education and professional development.

Continue Reading
Advertisement




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending