Faced with the progress of the Omicron variant, the laboratory plans to launch clinical studies on a new version of its vaccine after the holidays.
Guest on RTL’s set this Tuesday, Moderna vice-president Dan Stoner announced that “Clinical studies will be launched early next year” to develop a new version of the Covid-19 vaccine specifically targeting the Omicron variant.
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The laboratory has in fact decided to advance this phase of clinical trials in the face of the spread of the variant qualified as “Dangerous, which causes concern” by Dan Stoner. The finalization of this specific dose of vaccine, however, is expected to take more time. “It will take a few months before we have developed this vaccine”, explained the head of the laboratory.
The booster dose, “the only defense” for now
While waiting for the arrival of this new vaccine, the vice-president of Moderna insisted on the effectiveness of the existing version of his vaccine. And in particular that of the third booster dose currently administered, which remains according to him “The only existing defense” for now against the Omicron variant. Dan Stoner recalled that after the booster dose of 50 micrograms, the antibody level against Omicron was 37 times higher.
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As soon as the Omicron variant emerged in November, Pfizer and Moderna announced that they were ready to develop a new vaccine specially adapted to this strain. At the end of November, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla had promised that a new version of a vaccine suitable for Omicron could be developed if necessary “In 95 days”. The American laboratory now plans to submit “in March” this new version to the American authorities “if necessary”.
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