Moderna Booster Shots Effective Against Omicron

0
coronavirus vaccine
Source: Freepik

Preliminary data shows Moderna booster shots as effective against the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

In a matter of weeks, the Omicron variant has spread to more than 77 countries across the world. And has become the most dominant strain in the United States. Its rapid spread has sparked considerable concern in the medical community. Many believe the new strain will pose a threat to vaccine efficacy. Earlier this month, Moderna’s CEO Stéphane Bancel had also warned of an inevitable drop in vaccine response against Omicron. The biotechnology company recently released preliminary data on its variant-specific booster. According to the results, Moderna booster shots provides adequate protection against Omicron.

The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring.

Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna

Omicron-Specific Booster

The emergence of multiple coronavirus strains has led vaccine manufacturers to develop variant-specific doses. As the Omicron variant threatens to become the dominant strain worldwide, scientists are now focusing their attention to an Omicron-specific booster dose. Moderna recently analyzed the effectiveness of their standard vaccine booster, a multivalent candidate and an Omicron-specific booster. They administered the boosters in a standard dosage of 50 µg and a higher dose of 100 µg.

The preliminary data was accumulated from 120 participants that either received the standard vaccine or the two new boosters. According to the results, 50 µg of the standard booster led to a 37-fold increase in antibody levels. Whereas a 100µg dose caused 83-fold higher antibody levels. Moreover, the other two candidates produced similarly high antibody levels at the two dosages.

The company is currently conducting a Phase 2/3 study of the 100 µg booster dose. The study aims to assess the vaccine’s safety and tolerability at high dosage levels. So far 305 participants have already received the 100µg dose which was well-tolerated among the group.

Although Moderna’s standard vaccine booster remains their preferred candidate against Omicron, the company also plans to conduct clinical trials for its Omicron-specific booster.

Source: Moderna

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here