Johnson & Johnson on Thursday requested emergency use authorization of its single-dose vaccine from the Food and Drug Administration.
In a statement, the company said it can supply 100 million doses in the first half of 2021if emergency authorization is granted.
Unlike the first two coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine can be stored for at least three months at 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. The company said it is also compatible with standard vaccine distribution channels.
The vaccine has been proven 66% effective in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 four weeks after the shot is administered.
Johnson & Johnson noted the results of its trials: the vaccine was 72% effective in the United States, compared to 66% in Latin America and 57% in South Africa.
More importantly, the vaccine is 85% effective in preventing severe forms of COVID-19 and the efficacy of the treatment increased over time.
Paul Stoffels, Johnson & Johnson vice chairman of the executive committee and chief scientific officer said, “The potential to significantly reduce the burden of severe disease, by providing an effective and well-tolerated vaccine with just one immunization, is a critical component of the global public health response. Eighty-five percent efficacy in preventing severe COVID-19 disease and prevention of COVID-19-related medical interventions will potentially protect hundreds of millions of people from serious and fatal outcomes of COVID-19.”
The FDA is expected to deliberate on the application on Feb. 26. If the advisers favor the vaccine.