Moderna says Omicron-specific booster generates strong immune response
A healthcare worker holds a vial of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a pop-up vaccination site operated by SOMOS Community Care during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in Manhattan in New York City, New York, US, January 29, 2021. Photo :Reuters
Moderna Inc said on Wednesday its Covid-19 vaccine booster that targets both the original coronavirus strain and Omicron produced a better immune response against the variant than its original vaccine.
The booster raised virus-neutralizing antibodies by eight-fold in a study. The vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with side effects comparable to a booster dose of mRNA-1273 at the 50 micrograms level.
"We are submitting our preliminary data and analysis to regulators with the hope that the Omicron-containing bivalent booster will be available in the late summer," Chief Executive Stephane Bancel said in a statement.
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Share of Moderna were up 2% in premarket trading.
