AstraZeneca says its Covid-19 vaccine is 'highly effective' in late-stage trials

LONDON — Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday late-stage trials of its Covid-19 vaccine were “highly effective” in preventing disease.

The vaccine, developed in conjunction with U.K.’s University of Oxford, prevented 70 percent of people from developing the disease, the company said. Researchers have also found that if people were given a half dose followed by a full dose, rather than two full doses, protection rose to about 90 percent.

The results of the AstraZeneca’s vaccine trials are the third promising breakthrough in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 1.4 million people and roiled the global economy.

Earlier this month, Pfizer and Moderna reported preliminary results from late-stage trials, showing that their vaccine candidates were almost 95 percent effective.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Yuliya Talmazan

Yuliya Talmazan is a London-based journalist.

Laura Saravia contributed.