Somewhat related: I wonder how much next-generation biotech is essentially complete, but waiting in regulatory queues? As a layperson, it certainly felt like we got mRNA COVID-19 vaccines _shockingly_ quickly after governments decided they were a priority. The BioNTech website shows 36 technologies in their pipeline that have passed the "preclinical phase".
Trials take by far the longest time in drug development. During COVID, those went rather quickly not only due to accelerated bureaucracy and practically unlimited funding but also the sheer volume of COVID patients speeding inclusion and event rates up way beyond rates normally seen. Getting enough patients enrolled is easy if you have six figure daily infection rates.
