AstraZeneca posts 76% efficacy in latest U.S. trial

Based on the new analysis of its U.S. trial, AstraZeneca recorded a 76% efficacy rate, slightly lower in the previous efficacy outing reported this week which drew criticisms for using outdated data.

Monday’s AstraZeneca data reported a 79% efficacy rate but excluded more recent COVID-19 cases, a case that saw U.S. health officials in outrage.

The new and more accurate efficacy rate recorded in the latest study will heavily impact the decision to grant U.S. emergency use authorization of the vaccine.

Moreover, AstraZeneca stressed that the Oxford University-developed vaccine had a 100% efficacy rate against severe cases of contagious disease.

The new efficacy rate was lifted from 190 infections among over 32,000 participants in the U.S., Peru, and Chile while the previous data came from the study of 141 cases through Feb. 17.

AstraZeneca also reported that the vaccine was 85% effective in people aged 65 and above, higher than the 80% previously reported.