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Reality is beginning to sink in. Despite the availability of a growing number of COVID-19 vaccines and other therapies, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely to become endemic in the medium term, if not longer.A handful of coronaviruses — among them strains of NL63, OC43, 229E and HKU1 — are already endemic.
For drug developers, an endemic SARS-CoV-2 could have significant implications. While effective COVID-19 vaccines will likely enable developed nations to roll back coronavirus-related restrictions, demand for new COVID-19 treatments and vaccines could remain elevated for years.
More than 300 COVID-19 therapies are now in development. This year alone, Moderna (NSDQ:MRNA) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) could rake in $32 billion in COVID-19 vaccine sales, according to Morgan Stanley.
The pandemic has already changed many people’s view of the pharmaceutical industry, accord…