FDA could fast-track COVID-19 vaccine approval

Editor's Note

In an interview with the Financial Times, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn, MD, on August 30, said the FDA could fast-track approval of a COVID-19 vaccine before late-stage clinical trials are complete if regulators believe the benefits of doing so outweigh the risks.

Dr Hahn said there is a safe way to make a vaccine available before the end of Phase Three trials—by issuing an emergency use authorization for certain populations rather than a blanket approval.

It is up to the vaccine developer to apply for authorization.