Vaccine makers begin testing strategies against new variants

Vaccine makers begin testing strategies against new variants

 

Vaccine makers are trying to get ahead of some of the new coronavirus variants that are causing concern around the world.   Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said last week they have begun to test how well adding a third dose of their authorized vaccine might protect against new variants.   "This booster study is critical to understanding the safety of a third dose, and efficacy against circulating strains," Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla said in a statement.   Separately, Pfizer and BioNTech are also "in ongoing discussions with regulatory authorities" about potentially testing a vaccine modified to protect against concerning variants in a Phase 1/2 study.   Moderna said it has produced an updated version of its Covid-19 vaccine to help it combat the B.1.351 variant first seen in South Africa. Initial doses have been shipped to the National Institutes of Health for a clinical study.   Moderna said it will also evaluate a "multivalent" booster shot that combines the new vaccine formulation with the current vaccine.   It has also begun to test whether a third, lower dose of its current Covid-19 vaccine can increase immunity against coronavirus variants of concern, with some study participants already getting third doses.   On Monday, Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky said his company is working on a booster as well.   “While we’re encouraged and we’re confident in the current vaccine that we have, you’ve always got to be preparing for the future — and frankly for the unknown," Gorsky said. "So, we’re doing that as we speak.”