The results of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trial are 'tremendous', according to Professor Luke O'Neill.
The Trinity College immunologist said today is a 'big day' on the vaccine front, with the EMA set to announce whether they'll approve the AstraZeneca vaccine for use here.
Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson may also release data from the trial of their one-shot vaccine.
One of the big developments happened overnight, however, when American firm Novavax announced promising results from their own vaccine trial.
The company announced a vaccine efficacy of 89.3%, with efficacy against both the UK and South Africa variants - although there was a lower efficacy reported for the latter variant.
Professor O'Neill said this is a good news story.
He explained: "Novavax released their data last - 15,000 volunteers in the trial, in the UK.
"[It shows almost] 90% efficacy, which is a tremendous number to see.
"There's another vaccine Novavax is working. Novavax have done everything perfectly... they released early data, and it was giving a fantastic antibody response... we knew this was one to watch."
Professor O'Neill said the 'only wrinkle' is that there was lower efficacy (49%) among a trial of around 4,000 people in South Africa.
He suggested that could hint the South African variant of the virus is more difficult to vaccinate against.
However, he said what's particularly good news about the vaccine is that this is based on different technology to both the Pfizer / Moderna vaccines and AstraZeneca jab.
Professor O'Neill added: "It's fantastic news, one immunologist said, because we're not putting our eggs in one basket.
"It's quite an old-fashioned technology - this would be one of the oldest ways to make vaccines.
"It's a well-worn way to do it... for all those reasons, we're happy with these results this morning."
He said it's also a two-shot vaccine, and is easily stored in fridge temperatures.
The EU, meanwhile, has already ordered around 200 million doses of the jab.
AstraZeneca
A decision on the use of the AstraZeneca / Oxford jab is due today, but it has been shrouded in controversy due to the row between the company and the EU over supplies.
A redacted version of the contract between the Commission and AstraZeneca has been published by the EU today as the row continues.
Professor O'Neill said the controversy is something of a 'disaster' for the company.
He observed: "You want this out of the news, don't you? It doesn't build confidence.
"It's a disaster for AstraZeneca - their stock price, I predict, is plummeting.
"If you look at the list of companies that make vaccines, they're tenth on the league table. They're not well known for making vaccines... it's partially a lack of experience, we think, is what's happened here.
"It's a legacy of woe... the sad thing is it's a very good vaccine."
There's been uncertainty over the full details of the expected approval after Germany said it won't advise the use of the vaccine in over-65s due to a lack of data.
Professor O'Neill said there are still 'unknowns' when it comes to what data about the vaccine regulators have actually seen.
However, he said he's still hopeful of approval - and doesn't see why it wouldn't get the green light for use in Europe.
