Pfizer’s News Raised Political Questions. We Have Answers.
The drug company was faster than its competitors in testing an effective Covid-19 vaccine. Still, a backlash ensued.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that the independent board was monitoring the trials.
Photographer: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Max Nisen, who covers the pharmaceutical industry for Bloomberg Opinion, answered questions about Monday’s vaccine announcement by Pfizer. The conversation has been edited and condensed.
On Monday, Pfizer won the most-watched race in the world, announcing that its Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective in a large trial. But some critics are saying the company was too slow, delaying the news in order to hurt President Trump on Election Day. Was there anything off about the timing of Pfizer’s announcement?
Max Nisen: Based on what we’ve heard from Pfizer and BioNTech's press release and executive interviews, I don't think so.