- Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and upstart Moderna took different approaches to developing COVID-19 vaccines.
- Seeking minimal political interference, Pfizer and German partner BioNTech declined US government funding.
- In contrast, Moderna accepted $2.5 billion in federal funding and actively partnered with NIH researchers.
- Both vaccines involve a new, previously untested method of making human cells develop harmless proteins that stimulate the immune system.
- Vaccine development was accelerated thanks to abundant and willing trial patients and government support.
- Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have shown over 90% effectiveness.
