Pfizer/BioNTech Start Phase 2 Trial For COVID-19 Vaccine Against Omicron Subvariant

Pfizer Inc PFE and BioNTech SE BNTX initiated a randomized, active-controlled, observer-blind Phase 2 study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immune response of an enhanced COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccine candidate at a 30 µg dose level.
This next-generation bivalent COVID-19 vaccine candidate, BNT162b5, consists of RNAs encoding enhanced prefusion spike proteins for the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain (wild-type) and an Omicron variant.
Related: BioNTech, Pfizer File For Clearance Over COVID-19 Vaccine Patent Dispute With CureVac.
The enhanced spike protein encoded from the mRNAs in BNT162b5 has been modified to increase the magnitude and breadth of the immune response that could better protect against COVID-19.
The companies plan to evaluate this as the first of multiple vaccine candidates with an enhanced design.
BNT162b5 will be evaluated in a U.S.-based study enrolling approximately 200 participants aged between 18 and 55 who have received one booster dose of a U.S.-authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 90 days before their first study visit.
Price Action: PFE shares are down 1.25% at $51.65, and BNTX stock is down 2.72% at $155.38 during the market session on the last check Wednesday.
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