Pfizer, BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccines get US FDA's 'fast track' status

If the ongoing studies are successful, and the vaccine candidate receives regulatory approval, the companies said they expect to make up to 100 million doses by the end of this year

Two experimental coronavirus vaccines jointly developed by German biotech firm BioNTech and US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer have received 'fast track' designation from the US drug regulator, the companies said on Monday.

The candidates, BNT162b1 and BNT162b2, are the most advanced of the at least four vaccines being assessed by the companies in ongoing trials in the United States and Germany.

Pfizer's shares were up about 2 per cent and US-listed shares of BioNTech were up about 6 per cent before the bell.

Earlier this month, the companies said BNT162b1 showed potential against the virus and was found to be well