UK Becomes First To Give Nod To Omicron-Targeted COVID-19 Shot

Britain has given the first green light to the omicron variant-adapted shot that targets both the original and omicron version of the virus.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted conditional authorization for using Moderna Inc's MRNA omicron-containing bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine mRNA-1273.214 as a booster dose.
Spikevax Bivalent Original/Omicron is a next-generation bivalent vaccine that contains mRNA-1273 (Spikevax) and is a vaccine candidate targeting the Omicron variant of concern (BA.1).
Related: Moderna's Updated COVID-19 Shot Boosts Omicron Protection.
The MHRA's decision was based on clinical trial data that showed the booster triggered "a strong immune response" against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original 2020 virus.
The MHRA also cited an exploratory analysis in which the shot generated a "good immune response" against the dominant Omicron offshoots BA.4 and BA.5.
According to Moderna, trial data showed its variant-adapted booster-generated virus-neutralizing antibody levels against the subvariants were 1.69 times higher than those given the original booster.
No serious safety concerns were identified with the new Moderna formulation, the MHRA added.
Related: Moderna To establish New Vaccine Facility In Britain.
Moderna expects further approvals for the adapted vaccine in Australia, Canada, and the EU in the coming weeks.
Price Action: MRNA shares are up 2..1% at $175.14 during the market session on the last check Monday.
Photo by mufidpwt via Pixaby

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