Document text
______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________ _____ Summary Basis for Regulatory Action
Date: 11/8/2021
From: Ramachandra Naik, PhD, Review Committee Chair ,
DVRPA/OVRR
BLA STN: 125742/0
Applicant: BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH (in partnership with
Pfizer , Inc.)
Submission Receipt
Date: May 18, 2021
PDUFA Action Due Date: January 1 6, 2022
Proper Name: COVID -19 Vaccine, mRNA
Proprietary Name : COMIRNATY
Indication: Active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID- 19) caused by severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS- CoV-2) in individuals 16
years of age and older
Recommended Action: The Review Committee recommends approval of this product.
Director , Office of Vaccines Research and Review
Director, Office of Compliance and Biologics Quality
Discipline Reviews Review er / Consultant -Office/Division
CMC
• CMC Product (OVRR )
• Facilities Review (OCBQ/DMPQ)
• Facilities Inspection (OCBQ/DMPQ and
OVRR /DVP )
• Lot Release, QC, Test Methods, Product
Quality (OCBQ/DBSQC) Xiao Wang, PhD, OVRR/DVP Anissa Cheung, MSc, OVRR/DVP Kathleen Jones, PhD, OCBQ/DMPQ Laura Fontan, PhD, OCBQ/DMPQ Gregory Price, PhD, OCBQ/DMPQ CDR Donald Ertel, MS, OCBQ/DMPQ
Nicole Li, MS, OCBQ/DMPQ
Christian Lynch, OCBQ/DMPQ
Alifiya Ghadiali, OCBQ/DMPQ Zhongren Wu, PhD, OCBQ/DMPQ Ekaterina Allen, PhD, OCBQ/DMPQ
Hsiaoling Wang, PhD, OCBQ/DBSQC
Emnet Yitbarek, PhD, OCBQ/DBSQC Karla Garcia, MS, OCBQ/DBSQC Anil Choudhary, PhD, MBA, OCBQ/DBSQC
Esmeralda Alvarado Facundo, PhD, OCBQ/DBSQC
Marie Anderson, PhD, OCBQ/DBSQC
Cheryl Hulme, OCBQ/DMPQ
Clinical
• Clinical ( OVRR )
• Postmarketing Safety , Epidemiological
Review (OBE/DE)
• Real World Evidence
• Benefit-Risk Assessment
• BIMO Susan Wollersheim, MD, OVRR/DVRPA
CAPT Ann T. Schwartz, MD, OVRR/DVRPA
Lucia Lee, MD, OVRR/DVRPA Deborah Thompson, MD, MSPH, OBE/DE
Yun Lu, PhD, OBE
Hong Yang, PhD, OBE
Osman Yogurtcu, PhD , OBE
Patrick Funk, PhD , OBE
Haecin Chun, MT (ASCP) SSB, MS, OCBQ/DIS
Statistical
• Clinical Data (OBE/DB)
• Nonclinical Data Lei Huang, PhD, OBE/DB Ye Yang, PhD, OBE/DB Xinyu Tang, PhD, OBE/DB
Nonclinical/ Pharmacology/Toxicology
• Toxicology ( OVRR )
• Developmental Toxicology ( OVRR ) Nabil Al -Humadi, PhD, OVRR/DVRPA
Labeling
• Promotional (OCBQ/APLB)
• Carton and Container Labels
• Labeling Review CAPT Oluchi Elekwachi, PharmD, MPH,
OCBQ/APLB Daphne Stewart, OVRR/DVRPA
Laura Gottschalk, PhD, OVRR/DVRPA
• Consults (CDISC, Datasets)
• Documentation Review Brenda Baldwin, PhD , OVRR/DVRPA
CAPT Michael Smith, PhD, OVRR/DV RPA
Advisory Committee Summary No A dvisory Committee meeting held
2
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3
2. Background ................................................................................................................ 4
3. Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) .......................................................... 6
a. Product Quality ............................................................................................. 6
b. Testing Specifications ................................................................................. 10
c. CBER Lot Release ..................................................................................... 11
d. Facilities Review / Inspection ...................................................................... 11
e. Container/Closure System .......................................................................... 14
f. Environmental Assessment ........................................................................... 14
4. Nonclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology ...................................................................... 14
5. Clinical Pharmacology .............................................................................................. 15
6. Clinical/Statistical ...................................................................................................... 15
a. Clinical Program ......................................................................................... 15
b. Bioresearch Monitoring (BIMO) – Clinical/Statistical/Pharmacovigilance ... 22
7. Safety and Pharmacovigilance ................................................................................. 22
8. Labeling .................................................................................................................... 25
9. Advisory Committee Meetings .................................................................................. 26
10. Other Relevant Regulatory Issues ............................................................................ 27
11. Recommendations and Benefit/Risk Assessment .................................................... 27
a. Recommended Regulatory Action .............................................................. 27
b. Benefit/Risk Assessment ............................................................................ 28
c. Recommendation for Postmarketing Activities ........................................... 28
1. Int
roduction
BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH (in partnership with Pfizer Inc.) submitted a Biologics
License Application (BLA) STN BL 125742 for licensure of COVID -19 Vaccine, mRNA.
The proprietary name of the vaccine is COMIRNATY. COMIRNATY is a vaccine
indicated for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID- 19)
caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS- CoV-2) in individuals
16 years of age and older. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly (IM) as a series
of two 30 μg doses (0.3 mL each) 3 weeks apart.
COMIRNATY (also referred to as BNT162b2 in this document) contains a nucleoside-
modified messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the viral spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS -
CoV- 2 that is formulated in lipid s including ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane- 6,1-
diyl)bis(2 -hexyldecanoate), 2- (polyethylene glycol 2000)- N,N-ditetr adecylacetamide, 1,2-
distearoyl -sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, and cholesterol.
3
COMIRNATY is supplied as a concentrated multi -dose liquid formulation (0.45 mL
volume) stored frozen at -90°C to -60°C in a 2 mL Type 1 glass vial . A sterile diluent,
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, is supplied separately in 2 mL glass vials
manufactured by Fresenius Kabi LLC and in 10 mL vials manufactured by Hospira, Inc .
The diluent is stored at 20°C to 25°C and will be shipped in parallel with shipments of
COMIRNATY, with arrivals synchronized so that the diluent is delivered before the
vaccine is delivered. Healthcare providers may also use other sources of sterile 0.9%
Sodium Chloride Injection, USP as a diluent for COMIRNATY, if necessary.
The COMIRNATY Multiple Dose Vial is thawed in a refrigerator ( 2°C to 8°C) for 2 to 3
hours or at room temperature (up to 25°C ) for 30 minutes. The vial must be warmed to
room temperature for dilution. Once at room temperature, the COMIRNATY Multiple
Dose Vial is diluted with 1.8 mL of the diluent . After dilution, each vial of COMIRNATY
contain six doses of 0.3 mL of vaccine . Each 0.3 mL dose of COMIRNATY contains 30
μg of mRNA encoding the spike glycoprotein of SARS -CoV-2 and the following
ingredients: lipids (0.43 mg ( (4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane- 6,1-diyl)bis(2 -
hexyldecanoate), 0.05 mg 2- (polyethylene glycol 2000)- N,N-ditetradecy lacetamide, 0.09
mg 1,2- distearoyl -sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, and 0.2 mg cholesterol), 0.01 mg
potassium chloride, 0.01 mg monobasic potassium phosphate, 2.52 mg sodium chloride,
0.07 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and 6 mg sucrose. After dilution, the vials are stored at 2°C to 25°C and must be used within 6 hours from the time of dilution.
COMIRNATY is preservative- free.
The expiry dating period for COMIRNATY Multiple Dose Vial is 9 months from the date
of manufacture when stored at -90°C to -60°C. The date of manufacture shall be no later
than the date of final sterile filtration of the formulated drug product (at Pharmacia &
Upjohn Company LLC in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the date of manufacture is defined as
the date of sterile filtration for th e final drug product; at Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium
NV in Puurs , Belgium, it is defined as the date of the
.
(b) (4)
2. Background
SARS- CoV-2 is a novel, zoonotic coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 and was
identified in patients with pneumonia of unknown cause. The virus was named SARS -
CoV- 2 because of its similarity to the coronavirus responsible for severe acute
respiratory syndr ome (SARS- CoV, a lineage B betacoronavirus). SARS- CoV- 2 is an
enveloped, positive- sense, single- stranded RNA virus sharing more than 70% of its
sequence with SARS -CoV, and ~50% with the coronavirus responsible for Middle
Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS -CoV). SARS- CoV- 2 is the caus ative agent of
COVID- 19, an infectious disease with respiratory and systemic manifestations. Disease
symptoms vary, with many persons presenting with asymptomatic or mild disease and some progressing to severe respiratory tract disease including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leading to multiorgan failure and death.
The SARS -CoV- 2 pandemic continues to present a challenge to global health and, as of
August 2021, has caused approximately 208 million cases of COVID -19, including 4.3
million deaths worldwide. In the United States (U .S.), more than 37 million cases have
4
been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of which 90%
have occurred in individuals 16 years of age or older. While the pandemic has caused morbidity and mortality on an individual level, the continuing spread of SARS -CoV- 2 and
emerging variants has caused significant challenges and disruptions in worldwide
healthcare systems, economies, and many aspects of human activity (travel, employment, education).
In the U.S., there are no licensed vaccines or anti -viral drugs for the prevention of
COVID- 19. In December 2020, the FDA issued emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for
two mRNA vaccines which encode the SARS -CoV- 2 spike glycoprotein: Pfizer -BioNTech
COVID- 19 Vaccine (manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. in partnership with BioNTech
manufacturing GmbH) for use in individuals 16 years of age and older, and Moderna
COVID- 19 Vaccine (manufactured by ModernaTX, Inc.) for use in individuals 18 years of
age and older. In February 2021, the FDA issued an EUA for a replication- incompetent
adenovirus type 26 (Ad26) -vectored vaccine encoding a stabilized variant of the SARS -
CoV- 2 spike glycoprotein, manufactured by Janssen Biotech, Inc . (Janssen COVID -19
Vaccine) for use in individuals 18 years of age and older . In May 2021, the FDA
expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer -BioNTech COVID- 19 Vaccine
to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age. On October 22, 2020, FDA approved
remdesivir for use in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds) for the treatment of COVID -19 requiring
hospitalization. Several other therapies are currently available under emergency use.
Table 1. Regulatory History
Regulatory Events / Milestones Date
1. Pre-IND meeting (Written Responses)
April 6, 2020 (Part 1 )
April 10, 202 0 (Part 2)
2. IND submission April 22, 20 20
3. Fast Track designation granted July 7, 2020
4. Submission of EUA request for individuals ≥16 years of
age November 20, 2020
5. Issuance of EUA for individuals ≥16 years December 11, 2020
6. Submission of EUA request for individuals 12 -15 years of
age April 9, 2021
7. Issuance of EUA for individuals 12 -15 years of age May 10, 2021
8. Pre-BLA meeting (Written Responses) Clinical : March 9, 2021
CMC: March 31, 2021
9. BLA STN 125742 /0 received May 18, 2021
10.BLA filed July 15, 2021
11.Mid-Cycle communication The Applicant
canceled
12.Late- Cycle meeting The Applicant
canceled
13.Action Due Date January 16, 20 22
5
3. Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC)
a. Product Quality
COMIRNATY Manufacturing Overview
COMIRNATY contains a nucleoside- modified messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the
viral spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS -CoV-2 that is formulated in lipid s including ((4-
hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane- 6,1-diyl)bis(2 -hexyldecanoate), 2- (polyethylene
glycol 2000 )-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2- distearoyl -sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine,
and cholesterol. COMIRNATY is supplied as a frozen suspension to be diluted with a
diluen t, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, that is supplied separately or can be
acquired elsewhere, if necessary. Manufacture of the mRNA drug substance will take
place in Andover, M A, USA. The final formulated drug product will be manufactured,
filled, finished, labeled and packaged in Puurs, Belgium or in Kalamazoo, MI, USA. The
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
USA, LLC (
(b) (4)diluent will be manufactured by Fresenius -Kabi
(
(b) (4) ) and Hospira, Inc. ).
The mRNA in COMIRN ATY is a single- stranded, 5’ -capped mRNA encoding the full -
length SARS -CoV- 2 spike glycoprotein derived from the Wuhan- Hu-1 isolate (GenBank
MN908947.3 and GenBank QHD43416.1). The antigen- coding RNA sequence is codon-
optimized and contains two proline mutations (K986P and V987P), which ensures an
antigenically optimal trimerized pre- fusion confirmation (S -2P). The RNA also contains
common structural elements, including 5’ -cap, 5’ -UTR, 3’- UTR, and poly(A) tail, all of
which are designed for
(b) (4) mediating high RNA stability and translation efficiency.
(b) (4) During
RNA transcription, is replaced with the . This
nucleoside substitution has been demonstrated to enhance translation of in vitro
transcribed mRNA while reducing its reactogenicity .
Drug Substance (DS)The manufacture of mRNA DS is divided into
(b) (4)
major manufacturing process stages:
(b) (4)
6
Drug Product (DP)
The manufacturing process of the DP is divided into the following critical steps:
• Preparation of the DS:
• Formation of LNP: In this step,
• Formulation of the bulk DP: The bulk DP is formulated by
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
borosilicate glass vials manufactured by
. • Filling: sterile filtered and aseptically filled into 2 mL Type I
(b) (4) The bulk DP is
• Labeling and s torage: The filled vials are visually inspected, labeled, and frozen at
-90°C to -60°C.
CompositionThe composition of the formulation of COMIRN ATY and the function of the ingredients
are provided in Table 2.
Table 2. Composition of COMIRN ATY Multiple Dose Vial
Ingredients Amount per vial Function
SARS -CoV-2 spike g lycoprotein mRNA
(UNII: 5085ZFP6SJ ) 225 μg Active Ingredient
ALC-0315 [ 4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis (hexane -6,1-
diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)
(UNII: AVX8DX713V ) 3.23 mg Lipid component
ALC-0159 [2-(polyethylene glycol 2000 )-N,N-
ditetradecylacetamide]
(UNII: PJH39UMU6H ) 0.4 mg Lipid component
DSPC [1,2-distearoyl -sn-glycero -3-phosphocholine ]
(UNII: 043IPI2M0K ) 0.7 mg Lipid component
Cholesterol
(UNII: 97C5T2UQ7J ) 1.4 mg Lipid component
Potassium chloride
(UNII: 660YQ98I10 ) 0.07 mg Excipient
Monobasic potassium p hosphate
(UNII: 4J9FJ0HL51 ) 0.07 mg Excipient
Sodium Chloride 2.7 mg Excipient
7
Ingredients Amount per vial Function
(UNII: 451W47IQ8X )
Dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate
(UNII: GR686LBA74 ) 0.49 mg Excipient
Sucrose
(UNII: C151H8M554 ) 46.0 mg Excipient
Water for Injection
(UNII: 059QF0KO0R) q.s. Excipient
UNII: Unique Ingredient Identifier
q.s. = quantum satis (as much as may suffice)
Stability of COMIRNATY in Multiple Dose Vial
For the long- term
(b) (4) storage condition study, parameters monitored are Appearance, pH by
, LNP size and polydispersity by Dynamic Light Scattering, RNA content
and encapsulation by Fluorescence Assay , Lipid (ALC -0315, ALC- 0159, DSPC, and
Cholesterol) Content by high performance liquid chromatography -charged aerosol
detection (HPLC- CAD ), In Vitro RNA expression by cell -based Flow Cytometry, RNA
Integrity by Capillary Gel Electrophoresis, Container closure integrity test by Dye
Incursion, Endotoxin content by LAL, Subvisible particle content, and Sterility.
The stability data provided in the submission support a dating period of 9 months from
the date of manufacture when stored at -90°C to -60°C for the COMIRNATY DP filled in
2 mL Type I borosilicate glass vial s. Stability data on emergency use and process
performance qualification lots also support storage at -20°C ± 5 °C for up to 2 weeks as
well as short term storage at 5°C ± 3 °C for up to one month (within the 9-month expiry
dating period).
The Diluent for COMIRN ATY
The contents of the vaccine vial are diluted with sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection,
USP. Vials of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP are provided but shipped
separately. The provided diluent or another sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP should be used as the diluent.
The provided 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP diluent will be supplied either as
cartons of 10 mL single- use vials manufactured by Hospira, Inc (NDC 0409- 4888- 10), or
2 mL single -use vials manufactured by Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC (NDC 63323- 186-02).
The composition of the saline diluent and the function of the ingredients are provided in
Table 3.
Table 3. Composition of the Diluent
Ingredients Quantity
(per 0. 3 mL dose) Function
SODIUM CHLORIDE
(UNII: 451W47IQ8X) 2.16 mg Excipient
Water for Injection
(UNII: 059QF0KO0R) 0.3 mL Excipient
UNII: Unique Ingredient Identifier
8
COMIRNATY
Product CompositionCOMIRNATY Multiple Dose Vial is supplied as a frozen suspension that is diluted at the
time of use with 1.8 mL of saline diluent. A single dose of COMIRNATY contains 30 ug
mRNA in a volume of 0.3 mL, and it does not contain preservative. [See section 10.b
regarding exception to the 21 CFR 610.15(a) requirement for a preservative. ]
Stability of COMIRNATY
The Applicant conducted i n-use stability studies to support the maximum temperature
and time period that COMIRNATY can retain its physicochemical properties. Based on
the data generated, COMIRNATY retains its quality attributes for up to 6 hours when
stored between 2°C to 25°C (35°F to 77°F) .
The carton labels and the P ackage Insert (PI) state that after dilution, vials should be
stored between 2°C to 25°C (35°F to 77°F) and used within 6 hours from the time of
dilution. During storage, exposure to room light should be minimized, and direct exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light should be avoided. Any vaccine remaining in vials must be discarded after 6 hours and cannot be ref rozen.
Assays used in clinical studies
Diagnostic Assays Used to Support Clinical Efficacy Endpoints
Two clinical diagnostic assays (Cepheid Xpert Xpress RT- PCR assay for the detection of
SARS- CoV-2 in clinical specimens and Roche Elecsys Anti -SARS- CoV- 2 assay for the
evaluation of serostatus to SARS -CoV- 2) were used to assess clinical endpoints. Both
assays have received FDA authorization under EUA .
The Cepheid Xpert Xpress RT- PCR assay is a rapid, automated in vitro diagnostic test
for the qualitative detection of the N and E gene sequences from nasopharyngeal, nasal, or mid -turbinate swab and/or nasal wash/aspirate specimens collected from patients
suspected of having COVID -19. This assay is used to assess viral infection of the
participants before vaccination and to confirm COVID -19 cases during study follow -up.
The Roche Elecsys Anti -SARS- CoV- 2 assay is a rapid, automated in vitro diagnostic test
for detecting the presence of antibodies to nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS -CoV- 2
(antigen not present in COMIRNATY) in serum or plasma samples. This is a qualitative
assay marketed as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS- CoV-2, which would indicate a recent or prior infection. This assay is used to
assess serostatus of the participants before vaccination.
Data were submitted to support the suitability of both the Cepheid Xpert Xpress assay and the Roche Elecsys Anti -SARS- CoV- 2 assay for their intended uses in Phase 2/3
clinical studies when performed at Pfizer’s testing facility (Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development; Pearl River, NY).
Immunogenicity Assays Used for Exploratory Immunogenicity Endpoints
Two immunogenicity assays (SARS- CoV- 2 mNeonGreen (mNG) virus
microneutralization assay and single- plex direct Luminex assay (dLIA) for IgG
9
quantification) were used for evaluating the immune responses from clinical trial
samples.
The SARS -CoV- 2 mNG microneutralization assay measures neutralizing antibodies
(50% inhibition titers) against SARS -CoV- 2 using Vero cell monolayers in a 96- well plate
format. The SARS -CoV- 2 mNG virus is derived from the USA_WA1/2020 strain that had
been rescued by reverse genetics and engineered to express a fluorescent reporter
gene (mNeonGreen) upon productive infection of cells. The validation protocol (that includes evaluation of dilutional linearity, precision, limits of quantification, and limit of detection) and the results of the validation study, executed at Pfizer Hackensack Meridian Health Center (Nutley, New Jersey), were submitted to support the suitability of the assay for testing of clinical trial immunogenicity samples.
The single- plex S1 IgG dLIA measures IgG antibody levels to the subunit 1 (S1) of the
SARS- CoV-2 spike protein in human serum samples. Qualification data provided in the
submission support the single- plex dLIA for quantification of human IgG antibodies that
bind to the S1 protein of SARS -CoV-2 and confirm that the assay is suitable for its
intended use. b. Testing Specifications
Specifications and Methods
The tests and specifications applied for routine release of COMIRNATY are shown in
Table 4.
Table 4. Control of COMIRNATY: Tests and Specifications
Quality Attribute Analytical Procedure Acceptance Criteria
Appearance Appearance (Visual) White to off- white suspension
Appearance
(Visible Particulates) Appearance (Particles)
(Ph Eur. 2.9.20, USP <790>, JP 6.06) May contain white to off-white
opaque, amorphous particles
Subvisible Particles Subvisible Particulate Matter
(USP <787>, light obscuration method)
pH (Ph. Eur. 2.2.3, USP <791>) 6.9 – 7.9
Osmolality Osmometry
(USP <785>)
LNP Size Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
LNP Polydispersity Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
RNA Encapsulation Fluorescence assay
RNA content Fluorescence assay
ALC-0315 content HPLC -CAD
ALC-0159 content HPLC -CAD
DSPC content HPLC -CAD
Cholesterol content HPLC -CAD
Vial content (volume) Container content Not less than
Lipid identities HPLC -CAD Retention times consistent with
references (ALC -0315, ALC-
0159, Cholesterol, DSPC)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
10
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
(b) (4)Quality Attribute Analytical Procedure Acceptance Criteria
Identity of RT-PCR Identity confirmed encoded RNA
In Vitro Expression of Cell-based flow cytometry encoded RNA
RNA Integrity Capillary Gel Electrophoresis
Endotoxin (LAL) Bacterial Endotoxin (Ph. Eur. 2.6.14, USP <85>, JP 4.01)
Sterility Sterility (Ph. Eur. 2.6.1, USP <71>, JP 4.06) No Growth Detected
Container Dye incursion Pass Closure Integrity
Abbreviations: LNP = Lipid nanoparticles; CAD = charged aerosol detector; RT-PCR = reverse transcription
polymerase chain reaction; LAL = Limulus amebocyte lysate; EU = endotoxin unit
The analytical methods and their validations and/or qualifications for the COMIRNATY
DS and DP were found to be adequate for their intended use.
c. CBER Lot Release
The lot release protocol template was submitted to CBER for review and found to be acceptable after revisions. A lot release testing plan was developed by CBER and will be used for routine lot release.
d. Facilities Review / Inspection
Facility information and data provided in the BLA were reviewed by CBER and found to
be sufficient and acceptable. The facilities involved in the manufacture of COMIRNATY
are listed in Table 5 below. The activities performed and inspectional histories are a lso
noted in T able 5 and are further described in the paragraphs that follow.
11
(b) (4)Table 5. Facilities involved in the manufacture of COMIRNATY
Name/address FEI
Number DUNS
number Inspection/
waiver Results/
Justification
Pfizer Inc.
875 Chesterfield Parkway
West
Chesterfield, MO 63017
ORA
Manufacture 1940118 004954111 Waiver Surveillance
August 19 -20, 2019
Drug Substance NAI
Release and stability testing
Drug Product
Release and stability testing
Wyeth BioPharma Division
of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
LLC
1 Burtt Road
Andover, MA 01810
Drug Substance
Manufacture, release and
stability testing 1222181 174350868 Pre-License
Inspection CBER
Pre-license
inspection
July 19- 23, 2021
VAI
Drug Product
Release and stability testing
Pharmacia & Upjohn
Company LLC
7000 Portage Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49001 ORA/OBPO
Drug Product
LNP production, bulk drug
product formulation, fill and 1810189 618054084 Waiver Surveillance
May 11 -20, 2021
VAI
finish, primary packaging,
secondary packaging,
release and stability testing
Pfizer Manufacturing
Belgium NV
Rijksweg 12
Puurs, 2870
Belgium
Drug Product
LNP production, bulk drug
product formulation, fill and 1000654629 370156507 Pre-license
inspection CBER
Pre-license
inspection
June 24- July 2, 2021
NAI
finish, primary packaging,
secondary packaging,
release and stability testing
12
Name/address FEI
Number DUNS
number Inspection/
waiver Results/
Justification
Pfizer Ireland
Pharmaceuticals
Grange Castle Business Park
Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Ireland
Drug Product
Release and stability testing 3004145594 985586408 Waiver ORA Surveillance
November 4- 12, 2019
VAI
Hospira Zagreb Ltd
Prudnička cesta 60
10291 Prigorje Brdovečko
Croatia
Drug Product
Release testing (sterility) 3010630287 500625201 Waiver CDER
Pre-approval
inspection
November 14- 22,
2019
VAI
SGS Lab Simon SA
Vieux Chemin du Poète 10
Wavre, 1301
Belgium
Drug Product
Release testing (sterility) 3004186644 283063907 Waiver ORA
Surveillance
September 25- 27,
2017
VAI
ORA conducted a surveillance inspection of Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, MO, from August
19 – 20, 2019. No Form FDA 483 was issued, and the inspection was classified as No
Action Indicated (NAI).
CBER conducted a pre- license inspection (PLI) of Wyeth BioPharma Division of Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals LLC from July 19 – 23, 2021. All inspectional issues were resolved, and
the inspection was classified as Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI). ORA conducted a surveillance inspection of Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC from
May 11 – 20, 2021. All inspectional issues were resolved, and the inspection was
classified as VAI.
CBER conducted a PLI of Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium NV from June 24 - July 2, 2021.
No Form FDA 483 was issued, and the inspection was classified as NAI. ORA conducted a surveillance inspection of Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals from
November 4 – 12, 2019. All inspectional issues were resolved, and the inspection was
classified as VAI.
CDER conducted a pre- approval inspection of Hospira Zagreb Ltd from November 14 –
22, 2019. All inspectional issues were resolved, and the inspection was classified as VAI. ORA conducted a surveillance inspection of SGS Lab Simon SA from September 25 –
27, 2017. All inspectional issues were resolved, and the inspection was classified as VAI.
13
e. Container/Closure System
The COMIRNATY drug product is filled and stored at -90°C to - 60°C in a 2 mL glass vial
sealed with a bromobutyl rubber stopper and an aluminum seal with flip- off plastic cap.
The glass vials are supplied by
The stopper and caps are supplied by
, respectively.
(b) (4)
(b) (4)
Pfizer performed container
(b) (4) closure integrity testing (CCIT) on the filled 2 mL glass vials
using a dye incursion test method. All acceptance criteria were met.
f. Environmental Assessment
The BLA included a request for categorical exclusion from an Environmental
Assessment under 21 CFR 25.31. The FDA concluded that this request is justified, and
no extraordinary circumstances exist that would require an environmental assessment.
4. Nonclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology
Nonclinical Toxicology
For the nonclinical safety evaluation, COMIRNATY was evaluated in two repeat dose
toxicity stud ies in Wistar Han rats and a Combined Fertility and Developmental Study
(Including Teratogenicity and Postnatal Investigations) in Wistar Han rats.
The repeat dose toxicity evaluations were conducted on COMIRNATY and a similar
vaccine termed BNT162b2 (V8) . COMIRNATY and BNT162b2 (V8) have identical amino
acid sequences of the encoded antigens but COMIRNATY includes the presence of
optimized codons to improve antigen expression. The IM route of exposure was selected
as it is the route of clinical administration. Generation of an immune response to COMIRNATY was confirmed in rats in both repeat -dose toxicity studies. In both repeat -
dose toxicity studies, administration of COMIRNATY by IM injection to male and female
rats once every week for a total of 3 doses was tolerated without evidence of systemic toxicity. E dema and erythema at the injection sites, transient elevation in body
temperature, elevations in white blood cells and acute phase reactants and decreased albumin:globulin ratios were observed. Injection site reactions were common in all
vaccine- administer ed animals and were greater after boost immunizations.
For the Combined Fertility and Developmental Study , COMIRNATY was administered to
female rats twice before the start of mating and twice during gestation at the human
clinical dose (30 μg RNA/dosing day) . There were some e ffects ( change in body weight
and food consumption and effects localized to the injection site) observed in rats in these
studies following administration of COMIRNATY that were not considered adverse and a
relationship to COMIRNATY was not established. There were no effects on mating
performance, fertility, or any ovarian or uterine parameters nor on embryo- fetal or
postnatal survival, growth, or development in the offspring. An immune response was observed in female rats following administration of each vaccine candidate and these
responses were also detectable in the offspring (fetuses and pups).
14
Nonclinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
COMIRNATY was evaluated in nonclinical pharmacology studies using animal models of
mice, rats and nonhuman prim ates (NHP) . The data from these studies indicate: (1)
strong antigen- binding IgG and high titer neutralizing antibodies in mice, rat and rhesus
macaques; (2) Th1- biased CD4+ T- cell response and IFNγ+ , CD8+ T-cell response to
BNT162b2 in both mouse and NHP studies; and (3) protection of rhesus macaques from an infectious SARS- CoV- 2 challenge, with reduced detection of vi ral RNA in the
BNT162b2- immunized animals as compared with the control -immunized macaques.
Nonclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) evaluation included (1) biodistribution of COMIRNATY
using luciferase expressing RNA as a surrogate reporter in BALB/c mice and in rats, and
(2) the biodistribution and metabolism of the two novel lipids (ALC- 0315 and ALC -0159)
contained in COMIRNATY in in vitro studies and in a PK study in rats following
administration of luciferase expressing RNA encapsulated in LNPs made with
radiolabeled lipid ma rkers. The study results indicate that following IM injection, the RNA
encapsulated in LNP mainly localizes to the site of injection and, to a lesser extent,
distributes to the liver. The metabolism of ALC -0315 and ALC -0159 was evaluated in
vitro using blood, liver microsomes, S9 fractions, and hepatocytes from mice, rats,
monkeys and humans and in vivo by examining the plasma, urine, feces, and liver
samples from the PK study in rats . Approximately 50% of ALC -0159 is excreted
unchanged in feces, while metabolism appears to play a role in the elimination of ALC -
0315.
5. Clinical Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamic data, comprised of humoral immune responses to COMIRNATY,
were obtained in the clinical studies. The data demonstrated that COMIRNATY induces a humoral immune response against the SARS- CoV- 2 spike protein. The exact
immunologic mechanism that confers protection against SARS- CoV-2 is unknown.
6. Clinical/Statistical
a. Clinical Program
Overview The Applicant included data from two clinical studies in the BLA. The clinical studies
which will be discussed in this SBRA are shown in Table 6.
Table 6. Overview of Clinical Studies
Study ID C4591001 BNT162 -01
NCT ID 04368728 04380701
Phase 1/2/3 1/2
Countries Argentina, Brazil, Germany, South
Africa, Turkey, U.S. Germany
Enrollment Phase 1 : 30 participants
Phase 2/3: 43,847 participants 24
Age 16 -85 YOA 18 -85 YOA
Purpose Evaluate VE for prevention of
COVID -19 (pivotal clinical endpoint
study) Evaluate safety and
immu nogenicity
15
Study ID C4591001 BNT162 -01
Control Saline Placebo None
Groups Phase 2/3: 2 groups, randomized
1:1 to receive COMIRNATY or
Placebo IM 1 group, randomized received
COMIRNATY IM
Schedule D0, D21 D0, D21
Total follow -up 6 Months (follow -up ongoing) 6 Months (follow -up ongoing)
YOA: years of age; VE: vaccine efficacy; IM: intramuscular ; D: day
Study C4591001
Study C4591001 is an ongoing, randomized, placebo- controlled, observer -blind Phase
1/2/3 study being conducted in the U .S., Argentina, Brazil, Germany, South Africa and
Turkey. Initially the study was designed as a Phase 1/2 study in healthy adults in the U.S. for vaccine candidate and dosage selection, as well as evaluation of
immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy. The protocol was expanded to include a Phase
2/3 portion of the study to evaluate clinical disease efficacy endpoint in individuals 12 years of age and older in the U .S. and additional sites outside of the U .S.
The Phase 1 portion of the study was designed to identify a preferred vaccine candidate, vaccine dose, and administration schedule for further development based on the vaccine’s safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity. To this end, two age groups were
evaluated in separate cohorts, younger adults 18 through 55 years of age (N=45) and older adults 65 through 85 years of age (N=45). The study population included healthy men and women and excluded participants at high risk of SARS -CoV-2 infection or with
serological evidence of prior or current SARS -CoV- 2 infection. Two different vaccine
candidates were evaluated, and younger participants received increasing dose levels
(10, 20 and 30 μg) with progression to higher dose levels in a stepwise manner .
Evaluation of increasing doses in the older age group (65 through 85 years) w as based
on recommendations from an internal review committee that reviewed safety and immunogenicity data derived from adults 18 through 55 years of age. For each vaccine candi date and dose, participants were randomized 4:1, such that 12 participants
received the vaccine candidate and 3 participants received placebo. Review of the safety and immunogenicity from the Phase 1 portion of Study C4591001, in combination with
data from Study BNT162- 01, supported the final vaccine candidate, dose and dos ing
regimen (BNT162b2 administered at 30 μg, given 3 weeks apart) to proceed to the
Phase 2/3 portion of Study C4591001.
In Phase 2/3, participants were enrolled with stratification by age (younger adults: 18
through 55 years of age; older adults: over 55 years of age) with the goal for the older
age strata to consist of 40% of the entire study population. Adolescents were added to
the protocol, based on review of safety data in younger adults enrolled in the ongoing study ; thus, the age strata were revised as follows: 16 through 55 years of age, and 56
years of age and older. The study population for Phase 2/3 includes participants at
higher risk for acquiring COVID -19 and at higher risk of severe COVID -19, such as
participants working in the healthcare field, participants with autoimmune disease, and
participants with chronic but stable medical conditions such as hypertension, asthma,
diabetes, and infection with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive 2 doses of either COMIRNATY or placebo, 3 weeks apart. The Phase 2
portion of the study evaluated reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the vaccine i n 360
16
participants in the early stage of Phase 2/3 , and these participants also contribute to the
overall efficacy and safety data in the Phase 3 portion.
The ongoing Phase 3 portion of the study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of
COMIRNATY for the prevention of COVID -19 occurring at least 7 days after the second
dose of vaccine. Efficacy is being assessed throughout a participant’s blinded follow- up
in the study through surveillance for potential cases of COVID -19. If, at any time, a
participant develops acute respiratory illness, an illness visit occurs. Assessments for illness visits include a nasal (mid- turbinate) swab, which is tested at a central laboratory
using a reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) test ( i.e., Cepheid;
FDA- authorized under EUA), or other sufficiently validated nucleic acid amplification-
based test (NAAT), to detect SARS -CoV- 2. The central laboratory NAAT result is used
for the case definition, unless it was not possible to test the sample at the central
laboratory. In that case, the following NAAT results are acceptable: Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS- CoV-2, Roche cobas SARS- CoV-2 real -time RT -PCR test
(EUA200009/A001) , and Abbott Molecular/RealTime SARS -CoV-2 assay
(EUA200023/A001).
The study design included a planned interim analysis of the first primary efficacy
endpoint (the efficacy of BNT162b2 against confirmed C OVID -19 occurring from 7 days
after Dose 2 in participants without evidence of SARS -CoV-2 infection before
vaccination ) at pre -specified numbers of COVID -19 cases (at least 62, 92, and 120
cases). A ll primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were analyzed in the final efficacy
analysis after at least 164 COVID -19 cases were accrued. Participants are expected to
participate for a maximum of approximately 26 months.
Per protocol, since December 14, 2020, following issuance of the emergency use
authorization for the Pfizer -BioNTech COVID- 19 Vaccine, study participants 16 years of
age and older have been progressively unblinded to their treatment assignment (when eligible per local recommendations) and offered BNT162b2 vaccination if they were randomized to placebo.
The study was unblinded in stages as all ongoing participants were either individually
unblinded (when eligible per local recommendations) or the subjec t had concluded their
6-month post –Dose 2 study visit. Participants 16 years of age and older who participated
in the Phase 2/3 study were given the opportunity to receive COMIRNATY no later than
the 6- month timepoint after the second study vaccination. Participants who originally
received placebo but received COMIRNATY were moved to a new visit schedule to
receive both doses of COMIRNATY, 3 weeks apart.
The primary safety and efficacy endpoints were:
1. Primary safety endpoint (descriptive) : Solicited local adverse reactions (injection
site pain, redness, swelling), solicited systemic adverse events (AE) (fever,
fatigue, headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, new or worsened muscle pain, and new or worsened joint pain), unsolicited AEs, serious adverse events (SAEs) .
17
2. First primary efficacy endpoint: COVID- 19 incidence per 1000 person- years of
follow- up based on laboratory -confirmed NAAT in participants with no serological
or virological evidence (up to 7 days after Dose 2) of past SARS- CoV-2 infection.
3. Second primary efficacy endpoint: COVID- 19 incidence per 1000 person- years of
follow- up based on laboratory -confirmed NAAT in participants with and without
serological or virological evidence (up to 7 days after Dose 2) of past SARS- CoV-
2 infecti on.
The pertinent secondary endpoint was :
1. Severe COVID- 19 incidence per 1000 person- years of follow- up.
Study C4591001 results The population in the protocol -specified, event -driven final primary efficacy analysis
included all participants 12 years of age and older who had been enrolled from July 27, 2020 and followed for the development of COVID -19 through November 14, 2020. For
participants without evidence of SARS -CoV- 2 infection prior to 7 days after Dose 2, VE
against confi rmed COVID -19 occurring at least 7 days after Dose 2 was 95.0% (95%
credible interval: 90.0, 97.9), which met the pre- specified success criterion. The case
split was 8 COVID- 19 cases in the BNT162b2 group compared to 162 COVID -19 cases
in the placebo group. This protocol -specified, event -driven final primary efficacy analysis
was the basis for issuance of the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer -BioNTech
COVID- 19 Vaccine on December 11 , 2020.
Therefore, the primary study objective of VE against COVID -19 was met as the point
estimate was above 50% and the lower bound of the 95% CI of the point estimate of VE was above 30%.
The population for the updated vaccine efficacy analysis per protoc ol included
participants 16 years of age and older who had been enrolled from July 27, 2020, and
followed for the development of COVID -19 during blinded placebo -controlled follow- up
through March 13, 2021, representing up to ~ 6 months of follow- up after Dose 2. Overall,
60.8% of participants in the COMIRNATY group and 58. 7% of participants in the placebo
group had ≥4 months of follow -up time after Dose 2 in the blinded plac ebo-controlled
follow- up period. The overall VE against COVID -19 in participants without evidence of
prior SARS -CoV- 2 infection was 91.1% (95% CI: 88. 8 to 93.1). The overall VE against
COVID- 19 in participants with or without evidence of prior SARS -CoV- 2 infection was
90.9% (95% CI: 88. 5 to 92.8).
Subgroup analyses of vaccine efficacy (although limited by small numbers of cases in some subgroups) did not suggest meaningful differences in efficacy across genders, ethnic groups, geographies, or for participants with obesity or medical comorbidities
associated with high risk of severe COVID -19.
The updated vaccine efficacy information is presented in Tables 7a and 7b.
18
Table 7a: First COVID -19 occurrence from 7 days after Dose 2 in participants
without evidence of prior SARS -CoV- 2 infection - Evaluable Efficacy (7 Days)
Population Dur ing the Placebo- Controlled Follow -up Period *
Subgroup COMIRNATY
Na=19,993
Cases
n1b
Surveillance Timec
(n2d) Placebo
Na=20,118
Cases
n1b
Surveillance Timec
(n2d) Vaccine Efficacy %
(95% CIe)
All participants 77
6.092 (19,711) 833
5.857 (19,741) 91.1
(88.8, 93.1)
16 through 64 years 70
4.859 (15,519) 709
4.654 (15,515) 90.5
(87.9, 92.7)
65 years and older 7
1.233 (4192) 124
1.202 (4226) 94.5
(88.3, 97.8)
* Participants who had no evidence of past SARS -CoV-2 infection (i.e., N -binding antibody [serum] negative at Visit 1 and SARS -CoV-2
not detected by NAAT [nasal swab] at Visits 1 and 2), and had negative NAAT (nasal swab) at any unscheduled visit prior to 7 days
after Dose 2 were included in the analysis. a. N = Number of participants in the specified group.
b. n1 = Number of participants meeting the endpoint definition.
c. Total surveillance time in 1000 person- years for the given endpoint across all participants within each group at risk for the
endpoint. Time period for COVID -19 case accrual is from 7 days after Dose 2 to the end of the surveillance period.
d. n2 = Number of participants at risk for the endpoint.
e. Two-sided confidence interval (CI) for vaccine efficacy is derived based on the Clopper and Pearson method adjusted to the
surveillance time.
Table 7b: First COVID- 19 occurrence from 7 days after Dose 2 in participants with
or without* evidence of prior SARS -CoV- 2 infection -Evaluable Efficacy (7 Days)
Population During the Placebo- Controlled Follow -up Period *
Subgroup COMIRNATY
Na=21,047
Cases
n1b
Surveillance Timec (n2d) Placebo
Na=21,210
Cases
n1b
Surveillance Timec
(n2d) Vaccine Efficacy
%
(95% CIe)
All participants 81
6.340 (20,533) 854
6.110 (20,595) 90.9
(88.5, 92.8)
16 through 64 years 74
5.073 (16,218) 726
4.879 (16,269) 90.2
(87.5, 92.4)
65 years and older 7
1.267 (4315) 128
1.232 (4326) 94.7
(88.7, 97.9)
Note: Confirmed cases were determined by Reverse Transcription -Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT -PCR) and at least 1 symptom
consistent with COVID -19 (symptoms included: fever; new or increased cough; new or increased shortness of breath; chills; new or
increased muscle pain; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; diarrhea; vomiting).
* Participants who had no evidence of past SARS -CoV- 2 infection (i.e., N -binding antibody [serum] negative at Visit 1 and
SARS- CoV-2 not detected by NAAT [nasal swab] at Visits 1 and 2), and had negative NAAT (nasal swab) at any unscheduled visit
prior to 7 days after Dose 2 were included in the analysis.
a. N = Number of participants in the specified group.
b. n1 = Number of participants meeting the endpoint definition.
c. Total surveillance time in 1000 person- years for the given endpoint across all participants within each group at risk for the
endpoint. Time period for COVID -19 case accrual is from 7 days after Dose 2 to the end of the surveillance period.
d. n2 = Number of participants at risk for the endpoint.
e. Two-sided confidence interval (CI) for vaccine efficacy is derived based on the Clopper and Pearson method adjusted to the
surveillance time.
19
Efficacy Against Severe COVID- 19
Vaccine efficacy against severe COVID -19 for participants with or without prior SARS -
CoV- 2 infection is shown in Table s 8a and 8b. The VE against severe COVID- 19 in
participants with or without evidence of prior SARS -CoV- 2 infection was 95.3% (95% CI:
71.0 to 99.9) using the protocol definition of severe COVID- 19 and 100.0 % (95% CI: 87.6
to 100.0) based on the CDC definition of severe COVID -19.
Table 8a: Vaccine Efficacy – First Severe COVID- 19 Occurrence in Participants 16
Years of Age and Older With or Without* Prior SARS -CoV- 2 Infection Based on
Protocol† Definition From 7 Days After Dose 2 – Evaluable Efficacy (7 Days)
Population During the Placebo- Controlled Follow -up
COMIRNATY
Cases
n1a
Surveillance Timeb
(n2c) Placebo
Cases
n1a
Surveillance Timeb
(n2c) Vaccine Efficacy
%
(95% CId)
7 days after Dose 2d 1
6.353 (20,540) 21
6.237 (20,629) 95.3
(70.9, 99.9)
Table 8b:Vaccine Efficacy – First Severe COVID- 19 Occurrence in Participants 16
Years of Age and Older With or Without* Prior SARS -CoV- 2 Infection Based on
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‡ Definition From 7 Days After
Dose 2 – Evaluable Efficacy (7 Days) Population During the Placebo- Controlled
Follow -up
COMIRNATY
Cases
n1a
Surveillance Timeb
(n2c) Placebo
Cases
n1a
Surveillance Timeb
(n2c) Vaccine Efficacy
%
(95% CId)
7 days after Dose 2d 0
6.345 (20,513) 31
6.225 (20,593) 100
(87.6, 100.0)
Note: Confirmed cases were determined by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and at least 1 symptom
consistent with COVID-19 (symptoms included: fever; new or increased cough; new or increased shortness of breath; chills; new or
increased muscle pain; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; diarrhea; vomiting).
* Participants who had no evidence of past SARS -CoV- 2 infection (i.e., N -binding antibody [serum] negative at Visit 1 and
SARS- CoV-2 not detected by NAAT [nasal swab] at Visits 1 and 2), and had negative NAAT (nasal swab) at any unscheduled visit
prior to 7 days after Dose 2 were included in the analysis.
† Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined in the protocol as confirmed COVID-19 and presence of at least 1 of the following:
• Clinical signs at rest indicative of severe systemic illness (respiratory rate ≥30 breaths per minute, heart rate ≥125 beats
per minute, saturation of oxygen ≤93% on room air at sea level, or ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to frac tional
inspired oxygen <300 mm Hg);
• Respiratory failure [defined as needing highflow oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation (ECMO)];
• Evidence of shock (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg, or requiring vasopressors);
• Significant acute renal, hepatic, or neurologic dysfunction;
• Admission to an Intensive Care Unit;
• Death.
‡ Severe illness from COVID-19 as defined by CDC is confirmed COVID-19 and presence of at least 1 of the following:
• Hospitalization;
• Admission to the Intensive Care Unit;
• Intubation or mechanical ventilation;
• Death.
a. n1 = Number of participants meeting the endpoint definition.
b. Total surveillance time in 1000 person- years for the given endpoint across all participants within each group at risk for the
endpoint. Time period for COVID -19 case accrual is from 7 days after Dose 2 to the end of the surveillance period.
c. n2 = Number of participants at risk for the endpoint.
20
d. Two-side confidence interval (CI) for vaccine efficacy is derived based on the Clopper and Pearson method adjusted to the
surveillance time
Study BNT162 -01
Study BNT162- 01 is an ongoing P hase 1/2, open- label, dose- finding study to evaluate
the safety and immunogenicity of several candidate vaccines, including BNT162b2 (1, 3,
10, 20, and 30 µ g), conducted in Germany in healthy and immunocompromised adults.
Only safety and immunogenicity data in individuals 16 years of age and older, the
population for the intended use and who received the final vaccine formulation (30 µ g
BNT162b2) are used to support this application. The 30 µg dosage of BNT162b2 was
administered to 12 adults 18 to 55 years of age and 12 adults 56 to 85 years of age.
The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of the BNT162 candidate vaccines.
Secondary and exploratory objectives were to describe humoral and cellular immune
responses following vaccination, measured at baseline and various time points after vaccination, specifically 7 days post Dose 2. Adverse event monitoring was the same as the safety monitoring in study C4591001.
The study started April 23, 2020. The BLA contains safety data (reactogenicity and AE
analyses) up to 1 month after Dose 2 (data cutoff date: October 23, 2020), neutralizing antibody data up to ~2 months after Dose 2 (data cutoff date: October 23, 2020), and T-cell data up to ~6 months after Dose 2 (data cutoff date: March 2, 2021).
Study BNT162- 01 Results
Disposition of 30 µ g BNT162b2 group:
-Safety: Of a total of 24 participants, 12 participants 18 to 55 years of age and 12
participants 56 to 85 years of age completed the visit at 1- month post -Dose 2.
-Immunogenicity: Of the 12 participants, serum neutralizing antibody and T- cell
responses were available for 10 and 12 participants, respectively.
Safety: The safety profiles for adult participants 18- 55 and 56- 85 years of age receiving
30 µg BNT162b2 in this study were similar to age- matched participants in study
C4591001.
Immunogenicity: Dose- dependent increases were noted 42 days after Dose 2, compared
to SARS- CoV-2 neutralizing GMTs at baseline (pre- Dose 1), and most pronounced at
the 30 μg dose level. The Th1 polarization of the T- helper response was indicat ed by
IFNγ and IL- 2 production, and only minimal IL-4 production upon antigen-specific
(SARS- CoV- 2 S protein peptide pools) re- stimulation.
Review of the safety and immunogenicity from Phase 1 part of Study C4591001, in
combination with data from Study BNT162- 01, supported selection of the final vaccine
candidate and dose level (BNT162b2 at 30 μg, given as two doses 3 weeks apart) to
proceed into Phase 2/3 part of Study C4591001.
Lot Consistency
Consistency of process performance qualification ( PPQ ) batches manufactured at both
Pfizer Puurs and Pfizer Kalamazoo was demonstrated by verifying process parameters
and in- process testing results as well as DP release testing. Data obtained from the
analytical comparability assessments on the PPQ batches manufactured at both sites
21
provide evidence of reproducible and consistent manufacture of COMIRNATY DP of
acceptable product quality across all supply nodes.
b. Bioresearch Monitoring (BIMO) – Clinical/Statistical/Pharmacovigilance
BIMO inspection assignments were issued for a total of nine (9) clinical study sites that
participated in the conduct of study Protocol C4591001. Three (3) of these inspection assignments focused on clinical study sites that enrolled the pediatric population and six (6)of the study sites enrolled the adult population. The inspections did not reveal
findings that impact the BLA.
c. Pediatrics
The Applicant’s Pediatric Plan was presented to the FDA Pediatric Review Committee
(PeRC) on August 3, 2021. The committee agreed with the A pplicant’s request for a
deferral for studies in participants 0 to <16 years of age because the biological product is
ready for approval for use in individuals 16 years of age and older before pediatric
studies in participants 0 to <16 years of age are completed (Section 505B(a)(3)(A)(i) of
PREA). The PREA -required studies specified in the approval letter and agreed upon with the
Applicant are as follows:
1. Study C4591001 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of COMIRNATY in
children 12 years through 15 years of age
2. Study C4591007 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of COMIRNATY in
children 6 months to <12 years of age
3. Study C4591023 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of COMIRNATY in
infants <6 months of age
7. Safety and Pharmacovigilance
The most commonly reported (≥10%) solicited adverse reactions in COMIRNATY
recipients 16 through 55 years of age following any dose were pain at the injection site
(88.6%), fatigue (70.1%), headache (64.9%), muscle pain (45.5%), chills (41.5%), j oint
pain (27.5%), fever (17.8%), and injection site swelling (10.6%). The most commonly
reported (≥10%) solicited adverse reactions in COMIRNATY recipients 56 years of age
and older following any dose were pain at the injection site (78.2%), fatigue (56.9%),
headache, (45.9%), muscle pain (32.5%), chills (24.8%), joint pain (21.5%), injection site swelling (11.8%), fever (11.5%), and injection site redness (10.4%).
Among participants 16 through 55 years of age who had received at least 1 dose of
COMIRNATY (N= 12,995) or placebo ( N=13,026), serious adverse events from Dose 1
up to the participant unblinding date in ongoing follow -up were reported by 103 (0.8%)
COMIRNATY recipients and 117 (0.9%) placebo recipients. In a similar analysis in
participants 56 years of age and older ( COMIRNATY=8 ,931, placebo=8, 895), serious
adverse events were reported by 165 (1.8%) COMIRNATY recipients and 151 (1.7%)
placebo recipients who received at least 1 dose of COMIRNATY or placebo,
respectively. In these analyses, 58.2% of study participants had at least 4 months of
22
follow- up after Dose 2. There were no notable patterns between treatment groups for
specific categories of serious adverse events (including neurologic, neuro- inflammatory,
and thrombotic events) that would suggest a causal relationship to COMIRNATY.
From Dose 1 through the March 13, 2021 data cutoff date, there were a total of 38
deaths, 21 in the COMIRNATY group and 17 in the placebo group. None of the deaths
were considered related to vaccination. Since the issuance of the EUA (December 11, 2020) , post-authorization safety data has
been reported from individuals 16 years of age and older following any dose of
COMIRNATY. Because these reactions are reported from a population of uncertain size,
it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal
relationship to vaccine exposure. Below are presented adverse reactions categorized as important identified risks in the pharmacovigilance plan that have occurred during the
conduct of the clinical trial and have been reported following the issuance of the EUA.
Myocarditis/Pericarditis
During the time from Dose 1 to unblinding in Study C 4591001, o ne report of pericarditis
was identified in the COMIRNATY group, occurring in a male participant ≥55 years of
age, with no medical history, 28 days after Dose 2; the event was assessed by the investigator as not related to the study intervention and was ongoing at the time of the data cutoff. One report of myocarditis was identified in a male participant <55 years of age in the placebo group, occurring 5 days after his second placebo dose.
Post-EUA safety surveillance reports received by FDA and CDC identified serious risks
for myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of COMIRNATY. Reporting rates
for medical chart -confirmed myocarditis/pericarditis in VAERS have been higher among
males under 40 years of age than among females and older males and have been
highest in males 12-17 years of age (65 cases per million doses administered as per
CDC communication on August 20, 2021) , parti cularly following the second dose, and
onset of symptoms within 7 days following vaccination. Although some cases of vaccine-
associated myocarditis/pericarditis required intensive care support , available data from
short -term follow up suggest that most individuals have had resolution of symptoms with
conservative management . Information is not yet available about potential long-term
sequelae and outcomes in affected individuals. A mechanism of action by which the
vaccine could cause myocarditis and pericarditis has not been established.
These safety findings of increased risk for myocarditis/pericarditis led to warning in
section 5.2 Warning and Precautions of the PI .
Myocarditis and pericarditis are considered important identified risk s in the
pharmacovigilance plan included in the BLA . Of note, the Applicant will be required to
conduct postmarketing requirement (PMR) safety studies under Section 505(o) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to assess the known serious risks of myocarditis and pericarditis as well as an unexpected serious risk for subclinical
myocarditis (see S ection 11c Recommendation for Postmarketing Activities , for study
details).
23
Moreover, since vaccine- associated myocarditis/pericarditis is the most clinically
significant identified risk, FDA undertook a quantitative benefit -risk assessment to mo del
the excess risk of myocarditis/pericarditis vs. the expected benefits of preventing COVID -
19 and associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths . For estimation of risk,
the model took a conservative approach by relying on non- chart -confirmed cases from a
US healthcare claims database (OPTUM) that could provide a control group and greater
confidence in denominators for vaccine exposures. Thus, the estimates of excess risk in this model are higher than the rates estimated from reports to VAERS (an uncontrolled passive surveillance system), with an estimated excess risk approaching 200 cases per
million vaccinated males 16- 17 years of age (the age/sex -stratified group with the
highest risk ). For estimation of benefit, the model output was highly dependent on the
assumed COVID -19 incidence, as well as assumptions about vaccine efficacy and
duration of protection. The assessment therefore considered a range of scenarios including but not limited to a “most likely” scenario associated with recent Delta variant
surge and diminished vaccine effectiveness (70% overall, 80% against COVID -19
hospitalization) compared to that observed in the clinical trial. The “worst- case” scenario
with low COVID- 19 incidence reflecting the July 2021 nadir and the same somewhat
diminished vaccine effectiveness as in the “most likely” scenario.
For males and females 18 years of age and older and for females 16- 17 years of age,
even before accounting for morbidity prevented from non- hospitalized COVID -19, the
model predicts that the benefits of prevented COVID -19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions
and deaths would clearly outweigh the predicted excess risk of vaccine-associate d
myocarditis/pericarditis under all conditions examined. For males 16- 17 years of age, the
model predicts that the benefits of prevented COVID -19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions
and deaths would clearly outweigh the predicted excess risk of vaccine-associated
myocarditis/pericarditis under the “most likely” scenario, but that predicted excess cases of vaccine- associated myocarditis/pericarditis would exceed COVID -19 hospitalizations
and deaths under the “worst case” scenario. However, this predicted numer ical
imbalance does not account for the greater severity and length of hospitalization, on average, for COVID -19 compared with vaccine- associated myocarditis/pericarditis.
Additionally, the “worst case” scenario model predicts prevention of >13,000 cases of non-hospitalized COVID- 19 per million vaccinated males 16- 17 years of age, which
would include prevention of clinically significant morbidity and/or long- term sequelae
associated with some of these cases. Finally, the model does not account for indirect societal/public health benefits of vaccination. Considering these additional factors, FDA concluded that even under the “worst case” scenario the benefits of vaccination sufficiently outweigh risks to support approval of the vaccine in males 16- 17 years of
age.
Mitigation of the observed risks and associated uncertainties will be accomplished
through labeling (including warning statements) and through continued safety
surveillance and postmarketing studies to further assess and understand these risks ,
including an immunogenicity and safety study of lower dose levels of COMIRNATY in
individuals 12 through <30 years of age. The Applicant will be required to conduct
postmarketing requirement (PMR) safety studies under Section 505(o) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to assess the known serious risks of myocarditis and pericarditis and an unexpected serious risk for subclinical myocarditis (see section 11c for study details).
24
Anaphylaxis
The risk of anaphylaxis was recognized early in the post -authorization time period and it
is included as an important identified risk in the PVP . The estimated crude reporting rate
for anaphylaxis is 6.0 cases per million doses. Therefore, the incidence of anaphylaxis
after receipt of COMIRNATY is comparable with those reported after receipt of other vaccines .
There were no reports of anaphylaxis associated with COMIRNATY in clinical study
participants through the cutoff date of March 13, 2021.
A contraindication for individuals with known history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of COMIRNATY is included in section 4 of the PI.
Additionally, a warning statement is included in section 5.1 of the PI instructing that
“appropriate medical treatment used to manage immediate allergic reactions must be
immediately available in the event an acute anaphylactic reaction occurs following
administration of COMIRNATY ”
Pharmacovigilance Plan (PVP) The Applicant’s proposed pharmacovigilance plan (version 1.1) includes the following important risks and missing information:
• Important identified risks: Anaphylaxis; Myocarditis and Peri carditis
• Important potential risk: Vaccine -Associated Enhanced Disease (VAED), including
Vaccine -Associated Enhanced Respiratory Disease (VAERD)
• Missing information: Use in pregnancy and lactation; Vaccine effectiveness; Use
in pediatric individuals <12 years of age
In addition to routine pharmacovigilance, the Applicant will conduct the postmarketing
studies listed in Section 11c Recommendation for Postmarketing Activities .
Adverse event reporting under 21 CFR 600.80 and the postmarketing studies in Section
11c are adequate to monitor the postmarketing safety for COMIRNATY.
8. Labeling
The proprietary name, COMIRNATY, was reviewed by CBER’s Advertising and
Promotional Labeling Branch (APLB) on July 2, 2021, and found to be acceptable. CBER communicated this decision to the Applicant on July 6 , 2021. The APLB found the PI and
package/container labels to be acceptable from a promotional and comprehension perspective. The Review Committee negotiated revisions to the PI, including modifying
the proposed proper name from “ COVID- 19 mRNA vaccine (nucleoside- modified)” to
“COVID- 19 Vaccine, mRNA ” and including a warning for an increased risk of myocarditis
and pericarditis following administration of COMIRNATY. All labeling issues regarding
the PI and the carton and container labels were acceptably resolved after exchange of information and discussions with the A pplicant.
25
9. Advisory Committee Meeting s
Vaccines and Related Biological Products Committee (VRBPAC) meetings were
convened on October 22, 2020 to discuss, in general, development for EUA and
licensure of vaccines to prevent COVID -19 and on December 10, 2020, to discuss
BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH /Pfizer’s EU A request for the Pfizer -BioNTech COVID- 19
Vaccine.
On October 22, 2020, t he VRBPAC was presented with the following items for
discussion (no vote):
1. Please discuss FDA’s approach to safety and effectiveness data as outlined in the
respective guidance documents.
2. Please discuss considerations for continuation of blinded Phase 3 clinical trials if an EUA has been issued for an investigational COVID -19 vaccine.
3. Please discuss studies following licensure and/or issuance of an EUA for COVID -
19 vac cines to
a. Further evaluate safety, effectiveness and immune markers of protection
b. Evaluate the safety and effectiveness in specific populations
In general, the VRBPAC endorsed FDA’s approach and recommendations on the safety and effectiveness data necessary to support a BLA and EUA for COVID -19 vaccines as
outlined in the respective guidance documents. VRBPAC members recommended for the median follow -up of 2 month to be the minimum follow -up period and suggested
longer follow -up periods to evaluate, both safety and efficacy , if feasible. The VRBPAC
endorsed the importance of additional studies to further evaluate safety and
effectiveness of the vaccine after EUA issuance and/or licensure and underscored the need to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of COVID -19 vaccines in specific
populations.
On December 10, 2020, VRBPAC discuss ed Pfizer -BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH ’s
EUA request for their vaccine to prevent COVID -19 in individuals 16 years of age and
older. The committee dis cussed the safety and efficacy data derived from the clinical
disease endpoint efficacy study C4591001.
The VRPBAC voted on one question:
1. Based on the totality of scientific evidence available, do the benefits of the Pfizer -
BioNTech COVID- 19 Vaccine outweigh its risks for use in individuals 16 years of
age and older?
The results of the vote were as follows:
Yes = 17 No = 4 Abstain = 1
The VRBPAC was presented with the following items for discussion (no vote) :
1. Pfizer has proposed a plan for continuation of blinded, placebo- controlled follow -
up in ongoing trials if the vaccine were made available under EUA. Please discuss
26
Pfizer’s plan, including how loss of blinded, placebo- controlled follow -up in
ongoing trials should be addressed.
2. Please discuss any gaps in plans described today and in the briefing documents
for further evaluation of vaccine safety and effectiveness in populations who receive the Pfizer -BioNTech COVID- 19 Vaccine under an EUA.
The committee discussed potential implications of loss of blinded, placebo- controlled
follow- up in ongoing trials including how this may impact availability of safety data to
support a BLA. T he VRBPAC commented on the need to further assess vaccine effect
on asymptomatic infection and viral shedding, and further evaluation of safety and effectiveness in subpopulations such as HIV -infected individuals, individuals with prior
exposure to SARS -CoV-2.
FDA did not refer this application to the VRBPAC because our review of the information
submitted to this BLA did not raise concerns or controversial issues that would have benefited f rom an advisory committee discussion.
10.Other Relevant Regulatory Issues
a. Identification of BLA Lots
Upon CBER ’s request inquiring about what BLA -compliant EUA -labeled lots may be
available for use upon licensure of COMIRNATY, the Applicant submitted information listing which lots they considered to be manufactured according to the BLA. To address the issue of these lots not bearing the vial label associated with BLA approval, CBER
worked with the Applicant to develop a Dear HCP letter to be included with lots considered by CBER to be BLA -compliant. This letter explained that some lots labeled
for EUA use were also considered BLA -compliant and refers HCP to a website for
additional information. CBER requested and the Applicant agreed that only EUA -labeled
lots that had also undergone CBER lot release according to the BLA would be considered BLA -compliant and listed at the website included in the Dear HCP letter.
b. Exception to the 21 CFR 610.15(a) Requirement for a Preservative
Under 21 CFR 610.15(a), a vaccine product in multiple- dose containers must (absent
certain exceptions ) contain a preservative. The A pplicant submitted a request for
exception to this requirement and provided a justification for the multi -dose presentation
of COMIRNATY not containing a preservative. CBER considered the Applicant’s request
for an exception to the 21 CFR 610.15(a) for COMIRNATY as a multiple dose preservative- free presentation acceptable.
11. Recommendations and Benefit /Risk Assessment
a. Recommended Regulatory Action Based on the review of the clinical, pre- clinical, and product -related data submitted in
the original BLA, the Review Committee recommends approval of COMIRNATY for the labeled indication and usage.
27
b. Benefit /Risk Assessment
Considering the data submitted to support the safety and eff ectiveness of
COMIRNATY that have been presented and discussed in this document, as well as
the seriousness of COVID- 19, the Review Committee is in agreement that the
risk/benefit balance for COMIRNATY is favorable and supports approval for use in
individuals 16 years of age and older.
c. Recommendation for Postmarketing Activities
BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH has committed to conduct the following
postmarketing activities, which will be included in the approval letter.
POSTMARKETING REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 505(o)
1. Study C4591009, entitled “A Non- Interventional Post -Approval Safety Study of the
Pfizer -BioNTech COVID- 19 mRNA Vaccine in the United States,” to evaluate the
occurrence of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of COMIRNATY
Final Protocol Submission: August 31, 2021
Monitoring Report Submission: October 31, 2022 Interim Report Submission: October 31, 2023 Study Completion: June 30, 2025 Final Report Submission: October 31, 2025
2. Study C4591021, entitled “Post Conditional Approval Active Surveillance Study
Among Individuals in Europe Receiving the Pfizer -BioNTech Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID -19) Vaccine,” to evaluate the occurrence of myocarditis and pericarditis
following administration of COMIRNATY
Final Protocol Submission: August 11, 2021 Progress Report Submission: September 30, 2021 Interim Report 1 Submission: March 31, 2022 Interim Report 2 Submission: September 30, 2022 Interim Report 3 Submission: March 31, 2023 Interim Report 4 Submission: September 30, 2023 Interim Report 5 Submission: March 31, 2024
Study Completion: March 31, 2024 Final Report Submission: September 30, 2024
3. Study C4591021 substudy to describe the natural history of myocarditis and
pericarditis following administration of COMIRNATY
Final Protocol Submission: January 31, 2022 Study Completion: March 31, 2024 Final Report Submission: September 30, 2024
4. Study C4591036, a prospective cohort study with at least 5 years of follow -up for
potential long- term sequelae of myocarditis after vaccination (in collaboration with
Pediatric Heart Network)
28
Final Protocol Submission: November 30, 2021
Study Completion: December 31, 2026 Final Report Submission: May 31, 2027
5. Study C4591007 substudy to prospectively assess the incidence of subclinical myocarditis following administration of the second dose of COMIRNATY in a subset of participants 5 through 15 years of age
Final Protocol Submission: September 30, 2021 Study Completion: November 30, 2023 Final Report Submission: May 31, 2024
6. Study C4591031 substudy to prospectively assess the incidence of subclinical myocarditis following administration of a third dose of COMIRNATY in a subset of participants 16 to 30 years of age
Final Protocol Submission: November 30, 2021 Study Completion: June 30, 2022 Final Report Submission: December 31, 2022
POSTMARKETING COMMITMENTS SUBJECT TO REPORTING REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 506B
7. Study C4591022, entitled “Pfizer -BioNTech COVID- 19 Vaccine Exposure during
Pregnancy: A Non- Interventional Post -Approval Safety Study of Pregnancy and Infant
Outcomes in the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists
(OTIS)/MotherToBaby Pregnancy Registry”
Final Protocol Submission: July 1, 2021 Study Completion: June 1, 2025 Final Report Submission: December 1, 2025
8. Study C4591007 substudy to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of lower dose levels of COMIRNATY in in dividuals 12 through <30 years of age
Final Protocol Submission: September 30, 2021
Study Completion: November 30, 2023 Final Report Submission: May 31, 2024
9. Study C4591012, entitled “ Post-emergency Use Authorization Active Safety
Surveillance Study Among Individuals in the Veteran’s Affairs Health System Receiving Pfizer -BioNTech Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19) Vaccine”
Final Protocol Submission: January 29, 2021 Study Completion: June 30, 2023 Final Report Submission: December 31, 2023
10.Study C4591014, entitled “Pfizer -BioNTech COVID- 19 BNT162b2 Vaccine
Effectiveness Study -Kaiser Permanente Southern California”
29
Final Protocol Submission: March 22, 2021
Study Completion: December 31, 2022 Final Report Submission: June 30, 2023
PEDIATRIC REQUIREMENTS
11.Deferred pediatric study C4591001 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of
COMIRNATY in children 12 years through 15 years of age
Final Protocol Submission: October 7, 2020 Study Completion: May 31, 2023 Final Report Submission: October 31, 2023
12.Deferred pediatric study C4591007 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of COMIRNATY in children 6 months to <12 years of age
Final Protocol Submission: February 8, 2021 Study Completion: November 30, 2023 Final Report Submission: May 31, 2024
13.Deferred pediatric study C4591023 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of COMIRNATY in infants <6 months of age
Final Protocol Submission: January 31, 2022
Study Completion: July 31, 2024
Final Report Submission: October 31, 2024
30