The corona vaccines from the two pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna are a global hit. The mRNA technology allowed development in record time. In addition, according to the latest scientific findings, it protects against serious diseases much more effectively than vaccines that are based on conventional mechanisms of action.
The two companies also seem to be aware of the desirability of the product. You are now turning the price screw! As the Financial Times reported, both have adjusted the prices upwards in their supply contracts with the EU.
A new dose of the Pfizer vaccine costs 19.50 euros. Before it was 15.50 euros. A price increase of more than 25 percent.
Increased effectiveness of mRNA vaccines
Moderna is also reaching for the hammer. Previous price: 19 euros. New: 21.50 euros. Surcharge: 13 percent. Neither company wanted to comment on the reasons for the price increases.
This is how mRNA works
The abbreviation mRNA means “Messenger Ribonucleic Acid”, in German messenger ribonucleic acid. Both Pfizer / Biontech, Moderna and Curevac rely on a new type of mRNA technology that has been researched for over ten years.
The mRNA is a kind of messenger molecule that carries the building instructions for the production of proteins. This transmits the necessary information to the body’s cells on how to produce a virus protein. As soon as the protein is produced in the body, the immune system recognizes it as foreign and thus produces antibodies against the virus. The immune response prepares the body to fight the virus.
After an infection or vaccination, a specialized structure forms in the lymph nodes, the germinal center. This is where the attack on the pathogen is blown. Typically, germination centers peak a week or two after vaccination and then decline. In contrast, germinal centers that are stimulated with mRNA vaccines hardly receded even months after vaccination.
The abbreviation mRNA means “Messenger Ribonucleic Acid”, in German messenger ribonucleic acid. Both Pfizer / Biontech, Moderna and Curevac rely on a new type of mRNA technology that has been researched for over ten years.
The mRNA is a kind of messenger molecule that carries the building instructions for the production of proteins. This transmits the necessary information to the body’s cells on how to produce a virus protein. As soon as the protein is produced in the body, the immune system recognizes it as foreign and thus produces antibodies against the virus. The immune response prepares the body to fight the virus.
After an infection or vaccination, a specialized structure forms in the lymph nodes, the germinal center. This is where the attack on the pathogen is blown. Typically, germination centers peak a week or two after vaccination and then decline. In contrast, germinal centers that are stimulated with mRNA vaccines hardly receded even months after vaccination.
Since new studies have shown that mRNA vaccines are more effective, Pfizer, Moderna and the European Union have renegotiated the terms of the contract. The Astrazeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, on the other hand, have drawn attention with cases of serious side effects. That is why the EU Commission has preferred the use of the two mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer since spring.
Switzerland also gets its vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer. Among other things. The prices are not known. The main supplier is Moderna. An agreement for 13.5 million cans has been concluded for 2021. Another 7 million are to be delivered in 2022. Pfizer is expected to deliver 6 million doses by the end of 2021, another 7 million in the first few months of the new year, and possibly another 7 million after that. (ste)