Freakonomics Radio 430. Will a Covid-19 Vaccine Change the Future of Medical Research?
Aug 27, 2020
Tal Zaks, Chief Medical Officer at Moderna, discusses groundbreaking mRNA vaccine technology. Peggy Hamburg, former FDA commissioner, highlights the ethical and public health challenges in vaccine distribution. Andrew Lowe, a financial economist, offers insights into innovative funding models for medical research. They explore the rapid advancements in vaccine development during COVID-19, the importance of global equity in access, and the long-term implications for healthcare and pandemic preparedness.
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Moderna's Vaccine Mechanism
- Moderna's vaccine, mRNA-1273, uses messenger RNA, a transient instruction set.
- It prompts the body to create viral proteins, training the immune system.
Moderna's Trial Design
- The Moderna trial includes 30,000 at-risk participants, half receiving the vaccine and half a placebo.
- Researchers monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and compare infection rates.
mRNA's Unproven Status
- No mRNA drug has been approved for human use, making Moderna's approach novel.
- Moderna's success hinges on whether neutralizing antibodies prevent COVID-19.
