Vaccine Science Briefing

The MHRA has recommended the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to the UK Government, following a thorough review of its safety, effectiveness, and quality. The UK Government has accepted this advice, approving the vaccine for adults aged 16 and over with certain conditions. The development process was expedited by overlapping clinical trials, and the MHRA used a rolling review to ensure a comprehensive assessment without cutting corners.

How has the development of the COVID-19 vaccine differed from the usual pattern of clinical trials?

What is a rolling review, and how was it used in the assessment of the vaccine?