FDA could approve a coronavirus vaccine before the phase three trials are over

FDA could approve a coronavirus vaccine before the phase three trials are over

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FDA commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn says the agency could approve a coronavirus vaccine before the phase three trials are over, but that the benefits would have to outweigh the risks.

More than 6 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and more than 183,000 have died.

As the virus continues to spread around the world, the race is on to develop a vaccine. In the U.S., two vaccines are currently in phase three of clinical trials – which is the step that determines whether a vaccine is effective and safe or not.

Experts are concerned about rushing a vaccine to market before clinical trials are complete.

(Photo: AP Images)