According to the company, the corona vaccine from Biontech and Pfizer, which has been adapted to the currently predominant omicron sub-variant BA.5, has delivered the first positive results in a clinical study. The data indicated that the modified active ingredient “is likely to offer better protection against the omicron variants BA.4/BA.5 than the original vaccine,” the two manufacturers said. The blood of dozens of people was examined for the study.
The data also showed that the matched booster provided “a significant increase in neutralizing antibody responses against omicron variants BA.4/BA.5” compared to before the booster. This reaction was found in adults under and over 55 years of age. The adapted vaccine is well tolerated. “The early data suggest a favorable safety profile similar to that of the original vaccine,” the statement said.
Additional data from this phase 2/3 study is expected to be presented in the coming weeks. “These preliminary results are consistent with our preclinical data and show a substantial increase in the neutralizing antibody response directed against the omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5,” said Biontech CEO Ugur Sahin.
The BA.4/BA.5 booster has been approved in the EU since mid-September. However, clinical data on the effect in humans has not yet been available.
