Background

SARS-CoV-2 is associated to a severe respiratory disease in China, that rapidly spread across continents. Since the beginning of the pandemic, available data suggested the asymptomatic transmission and patients were treated with specific drugs with efficacy and safety data not always satisfactory.

Objectives

The aim of this review is to describe the vaccines developed by three companies, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and University of Oxford/AstraZeneca, in terms of both technological and pharmaceutical formulation, safety, efficacy and immunogenicity.

Methods

A critical analysis of phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trial results available was conducted, comparing the three vaccine candidates, underlining their similarities and differences.

Results and conclusions

All candidates showed consistent efficacy and tolerability; although some differences can be noted, such as their technological formulation, temperature storage, which will be related to logistics and costs. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate long-term effects and to assess the vaccine safety and efficacy in the general population.

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