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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