The incredible timeline of Pfizer Partner BioNTech developing the first successful COVID-19 vaccine

Aug 2018 | Long before COVID-19 was discovered, Pfizer partnered with German company BioNTech to develop an influenza vaccine based on RNA. These instruct cells to create proteins which generate an immune response protecting against a virus.

Jan 2020 | German company BioNTech's Chief Medical Officer Ozlem Tureci insisted the company would shift gears from developing cancer treatments and begin work on a COVID-19 vaccine.

Feb 2020 | BioNTech embarked on Project Lightspeed - that is, dividing into groups and working seven-day weeks. They were separated to avoid transmission in case anyone became infected. The team also avoided flights to prevent transmission as well.

March | 2020 BioNTech reconnected with Pfizer and the two closely collaborated on the COVID-19 vaccine. The RNA collaboration in 2018 had been successful, so it was decided that RNA technology would be the fastest path to clinical evaluations.

Sep - Nov | 2020, BioNtech completed clinical trials with a 90% success rate. After the 2020 US election, the news was announced that Pfizer and BionTech were the frontrunners in the race to a Coronavirus cure.

December | 2020, If emergency authorization is granted, the first COVID-19 vaccine may begin distribution in the US.

"The first licensing of an mRNA-based treatment will usher in a pharmacological revolution, and we will have the opportunity to shape this new industry." - Dr. Sahin