EMA Approves New Storage Option for Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a new storage temperature for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, enabling it to be kept for a total of two weeks at temperatures ranging from -25°C to -15°C. This change offers greater flexibility for the vaccine's distribution and storage within the European Union.

The updated guidance is based on new stability data showing the vaccine's viability at these temperatures in standard pharmaceutical freezers, often found in pharmacies and doctors' offices. Previously, the vaccine required ultra-low temperatures of approximately -70°C, posing logistical challenges for widespread distribution.

This new option is expected to facilitate a more decentralized rollout of vaccinations. By allowing storage at local clinics and general practitioner offices, the approval aims to broaden access and ease the burden on larger vaccination centers, potentially accelerating inoculation efforts across member states.

"This approval by the EMA will enable us to access important additional channels to distribute and administer our vaccine," said Ugur Sahin, CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, added that the new storage condition is "another important step as we continue our global fight against this virus."