US experts endorse J&J virus shot
Panel’s recommendation paves way for third vaccine to soon begin distribution
WASHINGTON: A US panel of independent experts voted unanimously in favour of recommending Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose Covid-19 shot for emergency approval, clearing the way for a third vaccine to soon begin shipping in the world’s hardest hit country.
The committee’s 22 members were convened by the Food and Drug Administration and included leading scientists as well as consumer and industry representatives.
Although their recommendations aren’t binding, they are usually followed.
An emergency use authorisation (EUA) will likely follow, probably in the coming days, making the J&J vaccine the third to be greenlighted in the United States after Pfizer’s and Moderna’s were provisionally approved in December.
“We’ve all seen the news about (the) Johnson and Johnson vaccine today – (the) third, safe, effective vaccine,” President Joe Biden said from Houston shortly after the vote.
“We’re going to use every conceivable way to expand manufacturing of the vaccine ... and make even more rapid progress in getting (shots) to people’s arms.”
Administration officials said this week they hoped to deliver three to four million doses next week.
The recommendation on Friday followed a day-long, live-streamed virtual meeting to decide if the known benefits of the drug outweigh its known risks for use in people aged 18 and over – which gave the public an inside look at the details of the scientific debate.
“Janssen’s vaccine candidate will play a critical role in the global efforts to fight Covid-19,” Johan Van Hoof, global head of vaccines research and development at J&J’s Janssen subsidiary, had told the meeting, emphasising the shot’s high efficacy against severe Covid19, including against new variants.
He also stressed the fact that it was proven to work with a single shot, and could be stored long term at fridge temperatures, which “offers logistical and practical advantages.”