COVID booster shot produced robust response against Delta: Moderna

In the trial, Moderna tested a 50-microgram dose of three vaccine booster candidates in previously vaccinated individuals.

The findings showed that it induced robust antibody responses against the wildtype D614G COVID-19 strain and against important variants of concern including Gamma (P1); Beta (B1351); and Delta (B16172), the US pharmaceutical major said in a statement.

“Neutralising antibody levels following the boost approached those observed after primary vaccination with two doses of 100 micrograms of mRNA-1273,” it added. The data has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

The company added that its Covid-19 vaccine does not wane away and remains durable through six months after the second dose. The result of its clinical trial, which started in late July 2020 and recruited 30,000 volunteers, showing 94.1 percent efficacy did not change much after six months, the company said in a statement.

“We are pleased that our COVID-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93 percent through six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat so we must remain vigilant,” Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said.

Moderna has also filed to the US Food and Drug Administration for final approval of its vaccine on June 1 and expects to complete its submission in August.

Moderna said it aims to produce between 800 million to 1 billion COVID vaccine doses this year. It has also signed vaccine contracts worth $20 billion in sales this year and has agreements worth $12 billion in 2022, the statement said.

– IANS