Coreper: Expects data on Omicron variant vaccines between April and July

The head of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) vaccine expert said on Thursday that data on COVID-19 vaccines adapted for the Omicron mutation should be available between April and early July, possibly paving the way for approval. this summer, Reuters reported.

Vaccine manufacturers such as Moderna and Pfizer have begun testing COVID-19 vaccines designed for the Omicron mutation, following data showing that two initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine provide only partial protection against the variant.

Based on the vaccine data specifically for the Omicron strain, the agency will decide on a timeline for possible approval.

The agency hopes to have the data this summer, increasing the chances of a vaccine being available for use in the fall, said Marco Cavaleri, head of the EMA vaccine strategy.

The EMA added that the review of the Russian coronavirus Sputnik V vaccine has stopped.

“There is no activity in the review and I do not expect any in the near future,” said Fergus Sweeney, head of the clinical trial and preparation working group, without elaborating.