First positive results in Moderna tests for a 3rd dose of vaccine

The American biotechnology company Moderna on Wednesday released the first positive results regarding the tests of a modified version of its vaccine, which was developed specifically against the South African mutant strain of the new coronavirus, as well as the effect of a third dose of its original vaccine against of 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 mutant strains.", Moderna CEO Stefan Bancel says in a statement.

Forty people who had already been vaccinated, that is, had received both doses of the original Moderna vaccine between six and eight months before these trials, participated in them. Some received a third dose of a new formula (called mRNA-1273.351) developed against the South African mutant strain of the new coronavirus, while others received a third dose of the original vaccine.

These two options "Increased the titers (levels) of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and two worrying mutants" of South Africa and Brazil, 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 specifically against the mutant strain first identified in South Africa has been shown to be more effective against it 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 possible new mutant strains, Bancell noted. "We will continue to make as many updates as needed to our vaccine against it COVID-19 to bring the pandemic under control ", he added.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-AFP