CDC developing vaccine distribution plans with four states and one large city that will serve as a ‘foundation’ for other jurisdictions; plans include provisions for all potential vaccines, but logistics will vary depending on product, especially given the cold chain issues associated with mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

Cold chain distribution requirements are a major downside for mRNA-based vaccines, but Moderna may have the edge over Pfizer/BioNTech's candidate.

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.