Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Shot Generates 9X Spike-Binding Antibodies, Early Data Shows

According to interim data from two early-stage trials, a COVID-19 booster shot from Johnson & Johnson JNJ sharply increased levels of antibodies.

• A second dose of the J&J single-dose vaccine resulted in binding antibody levels nine times higher than the levels 28 days after receiving their first dose.
• Unlike neutralizing antibodies, which destroy the virus, binding antibodies attach to the virus but do not destroy it or prevent infection. 
• Instead, they alert the immune system of its presence so that white blood cells can be sent to destroy it.
• Related: FDA Approves Vaccine Booster Dose Of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines For Small, Vulnerable Group.
• The studies showed significant increases in binding antibody responses in participants aged 18-55 and those 65 years and older who received a lower booster dose.
• The study summaries are being submitted to the preprint server MedRxiv in advance of peer review.
• In July, J&J published interim Phase 1/2a data in the New England Journal of Medicine that showed neutralizing antibodies generated by its vaccine remained stable eight months after immunization with a single dose.
• Price Action: JNJ shares are up 0.73% at $176.67 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.
• Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash