BioNTech - Pfizer COVID-19 Shot Expected To Be Effective Against Double Mutants, Says BNTX CEO: CNBC - Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX)

BioNTech SE BNTX is “confident” that its COVID-19 vaccine with U.S. partner Pfizer Inc PFE is effective against a coronavirus variant first identified in India, CEO Ugur Sahin told CNBC.
The B.1.617 strain, also referred to as the “double mutant,” was first spotted in India, and it contains two key mutations that have been found separately in other coronavirus variants.
The variant is believed to be the main reason for the recent surge in new COVID-19 cases in India.
Sahin said the German drugmaker had tested its two-dose vaccine, which is currently not available in India, against similar “double mutants.” Based on those data, Sahin said he feels assured the shot will still be protective.
“We are evaluating [the strain] ... and the data will be available in the coming weeks,” he told CNBC.
Additionally, Pfizer/BioNTech expect data from the COVID-19 vaccine trial in kids ages 5 to 11 years by July.
If clinical trials go well and the FDA approves it, young children could get vaccinated by the end of the year, Dr. Ozlem Tureci, the co-founder and chief medical officer of BioNTech, told CNBC.
Earlier today, the companies filed to expand the Conditional Marketing Authorization for its vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years in Europe.
Price Action: BNTX shares are up 6.4% at $191.14, while PFE shares are down 0.01% at $38.59 during the market trading session on the last check Friday.