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Moderna testing 2 booster shots to protect against Omicron variant, expects data soon

US-based pharmaceutical giant Moderna is studying two booster shot options designed to anticipate mutations similar to the Omicron strain of the coronavirus, which has been designated as a variant of concern by the WHO.

It is already working to test the ability of the current vaccine dose to neutralise the Omicron variant and data is expected in the coming weeks.

“Moderna is already studying two multi-valent booster candidates in the clinic that were designed to anticipate mutations such as those that have emerged in the Omicron variant,” the company said in a statement.

The first candidate (mRNA-1273.211) includes several mutations present in the Omicron variant that were also present in the Beta variant of concern1. Moderna said it has completed dosing in a potentially pivotal safety and immunogenicity study of mRNA-1273.211 at the 50 µg (N=300) and 100 µg (N=584) dose levels.

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A second multi-valent candidate (mRNA-1273.213) includes many of the mutations present in the Omicron variant that were also present in the Beta and Delta variants2. The company has completed dosing at the 100 µg (N=584) dose level and also plans to explore the 50 µg dose level in approximately 584 participants.

Moderna said it will “rapidly advance” an Omicron-specific booster shot, much like its Beta- and Delta-specific boosters.

“A booster dose of an authorised vaccine represents the only currently available strategy for boosting waning immunity,” the company said.

The new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529, dubbed Omicron, was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24, and has also been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.

ALSO READ | WHO names new Covid variant Omicron; South Africa says travel bans unjustified | Top points

Global authorities have reacted with alarm to the new variant, with the United States, UK and the EU among those tightening border controls as scientists sought to find out if the mutation was vaccine-resistant.

Pfizer and BioNTech said they expect more data on the Omicron strain to determine whether its Covid-19 vaccine would have to be reworked. Johnson and Johnson also said it is closely monitoring emerging strains of coronavirus and is testing the effectiveness of its shot against the new variant.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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