a16z Podcast What to Know about Those Vaccines
Nov 20, 2020
Explore the exciting world of mRNA vaccines, showcasing how Pfizer and Moderna have revolutionized vaccine development during the pandemic. Dive into the significance of recent efficacy analyses and the challenges of participant compliance. Discover the intricate logistics of vaccine distribution, including innovative drone technology and cold chain requirements. Learn how programmable vaccines could reshape future health solutions, ensuring effective access and safety while addressing real-world hurdles in vaccine delivery.
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Vaccine Landscape
- Pfizer's vaccine announcement is significant, but 458 clinical programs are fighting COVID-19.
- Only 12 of these programs, including Pfizer's, have reached phase three clinical trials.
Pfizer's Breakthrough
- Pfizer's vaccine validates the spike protein as an effective target and mRNA technology.
- This is good news for other vaccines using similar approaches.
MRNA Technology
- MRNA vaccines offer a new way to produce vaccines by instructing the body to create proteins.
- This 'plug-and-play' approach could revolutionize vaccine development and scalability.