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Moderna on Monday announced that its coronavirus booster shots significantly increase levels of omicron-fighting antibodies.
The company has two authorized booster shots – one that is half the dose of its original shot that is used in most cases and another that is the full dose that is recommended for use in immunocompromised people.
Its half-dose shot increased omicron-neutralizing antibodies by 37 times, according to preliminary data. The full-dose shot mounted an even stronger response, boosting levels by 83 times compared to pre-booster levels.
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“The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all,” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a statement. “However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring.”
Leading infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci last week said that booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer are likely to work on the variant, adding that a shot designed specifically to take on omicron is not yet needed.
“Our booster vaccine regimens work against omicron,” Fauci said at a press conference. “At this point, there is no need for a variant-specific booster.”
Still, vaccine makers are working on the shots given the unknowns surrounding omicron. Pfizer said its shot could be ready to ship in roughly three months, pending regulatory approval. Moderna said it plans to test its omicron-specific shot early next year.
“To respond to this highly transmissible variant, Moderna will continue to rapidly advance an Omicron-specific booster candidate into clinical testing in case it becomes necessary in the future,” Bancel said.