4 Takeaways On Pfizer's Latest Coronavirus Data

The data shows more positives about Pfizer’s PFE coronavirus vaccine candidate and remains in-line with its German partner BioNTech’s BNTX study, according to Cantor Fitzgerald Securities.

The Pfizer Analyst: Louise Chen maintained an Overweight rating on Pfizer with a $53 price target. 

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The Pfizer Takeaways: Chen named the following in a note as key takeaways from the update Pfizer issued Monday:

• Preliminary data indicates that PFE's mRNA-based vaccine was able to stimulate antibody as well as T-cell responses at low dose levels. 
• Pfizer could initiate Phase a 2b/3 study with its lead candidate as early as this month. 
• Pfizer's data further demonstrated the ability of BNT162b1 to elicit high SARS CoV-2 neutralizing titers.
• The initial German trial results demonstratem— for the first time for the BNT62b1 candidate — a concurrent induction of high level CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. 

Overall, the data suggests that BNT162b1 could potentially be administered safely, with a manageable tolerability profile, she said. 

“Data from both the German and U.S. Phase 1/2 studies will be used by the two companies to determine a dose level and select among multiple vaccine candidates to seek to progress to an anticipated large, global Phase 2b/3 safety and efficacy trial,” Chen said. 

The companies expect to have 100 million doses manufactured by the end of the year.

To that end, BioNTech and Pfizer would work jointly to distribute the vaccine worldwide, Chen said. 

PFE, BNTX Price Action: Pfizer shares were trading 1.08% higher at $36.63 at last check Monday, while BioNTech shares were higher by 3.10% at $87.89. 

Photo by Coolcaesar via Wikimedia.