Need-to-know basis

Agreement: 
I Agree
Body: 

Dear Editor
Zosia Kmietowicz’s article dated 6 December 2022 discusses Pfizer’s press release of 1 November highlighting the results of their Matisse study of RSV vaccine given to pregnant women, and the valid reasons why the BMJ would not report it.

Six days later Pfizer disclosed results of this trial to their investors, including graphical representations of vaccine efficacy in the newborn. (1)

No data from the trial have been released in the US clinical trial registry (2) or in peer reviewed medical journals.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA meets on 23 February to discuss the safety and efficacy of this vaccine in pregnancy. (3)

There is an irony in that trial outcome data that are robust enough to enable investors to make financial decisions are apparently not suitable for sharing with the medical profession.

1) https://s28.q4cdn.com/781576035/files/doc_presentation/2022/12/B/Near-Te…
2) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04424316
3) https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html

No competing Interests: 
Yes
The following competing Interests: 
Electronic Publication Date: 
Thursday, February 9, 2023 – 15:00
Workflow State: 
Released
Full Title: 

Need-to-know basis

Highwire Comment Response to: 
Check this box if you would like your letter to appear anonymously:: 
Last Name: 
Selley
First name and middle initial: 
Peter
Address: 
Crediton, Devon
Occupation: 
Retired GP
BMJ: Additional Article Info: 
Rapid response

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