Senior British government sources reportedly expect a verdict on whether a Pfizer Inc-backed COVID-19 vaccine works will be available before the results are in on AstraZeneca Plc's competing vaccine.
Britain believes the vaccine, which Pfizer is co-developing with Germany's BioNTech SE, could be ready to distribute before Christmas, according to a report in London's Times newspaper.
Pfizer's Chief Executive Albert Bourla has previously said the company could release data on whether or not the vaccine works as early as this month.
The US drugmaker said this week if trials are successful the company expects to file for emergency authorisation of the vaccine candidate from US regulators shortly after it has enough safety data in late November.
Britain has agreed supply deals for six vaccine candidates including frontrunners from Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
Australian Associated Press