Moderna vaccine: First positive test results for 3rd dose

The first results published by the American biotechnology company Moderna regarding the tests of a modified version of its vaccine, which was developed specifically against the South African variant strain of the new coronavirus, as well as the effect of a third dose of its original vaccine against COVID-19.

“We are encouraged by this new data, which strengthens our confidence in the idea that our recurring (dosing) strategy should provide protection against these new variants,” said Moderna CEO Stefan Bancel. broadcasts AMPE.

Forty people, who had already been vaccinated, had received both doses of the original Moderna vaccine between six and eight months before these tests, participated in them.

Some received a third dose of a new formula (called mRNA-12731351) developed against the South African variant strain of the new coronavirus and others received a third dose of the original vaccine.

These two options “increased the titers (levels) of neutralizing antibodies against it SARS-CoV-2 and two of the most troubling strains “of the South African and Brazilian, Moderna announced.

Antibody levels were measured in participants two weeks after the third preparation. These “increased to similar or higher levels” than those found after the first series of two doses, the company said.

The vaccine formula developed especially against the variant strain first identified in South Africa proved to be more effective against him than the original vaccine, Moderna adds.

Another version, a dose containing both the original vaccine and the new formula, is also being studied, but no results have yet been reported.

The Moderna vaccine uses a new technology, called messenger RNA (mRNA).

This technique “allows the rapid development of candidate vaccines, which include key mutations in the virus, potentially allowing a faster development of future alternative vaccines” against potential new mutant strains, Bancell said.

“We will continue to make as many updates as needed to our COVID-19 vaccine to bring the pandemic under control,” he added.

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