Pfizer and its partner BioNTech announced on Tuesday that they have begun testing a new version of their COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets the extremely transmissible omicron variant.
The drugmakers ultimately plan on enrolling 1,420 people in the clinical trial. The new jab will be tested as both a booster shot and a primary regiment.
“Staying vigilant against the virus requires us to identify new approaches for people to maintain a high level of protection, and we believe developing and investigating variant-based vaccines, like this one, are essential in our efforts to work towards this goal,” said Dr. Kathrin Jansen, who leads vaccine R&D at Pfizer, in a press release.
The Wall Street Journal adds:
U.S. health authorities have said that Omicron-targeted shots might not be needed, citing the activity of boosters found so far against Omicron in lab tests. Another variable: Future variants might not be descendants of Omicron.
“The original vaccines still offer good protection against severe illness and death. Studies in the U.S. and elsewhere have made clear that adding a booster dose strengthens that protection and improves the chances of avoiding a milder infection,” notes The Associated Press.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said late last year that the company would have an omicron-specific vaccine in March 2022. On Tuesday, a Pfizer spokesperson told CNN that the company is “proactively investigating and manufacturing” the new drug – at their own expense – “should it be needed.”
