Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna expect data on shot's protection against new COVID-19 variant soon

[pnwmom]

Source: Reuters

FRANKFURT, Nov 26 (Reuters) - BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE) said on Friday it expects more data on a worrying new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa within two weeks to help determine whether its vaccine produced with partner Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) would have to be reworked.

Pfizer and BioNTech said that if necessary they expect to be able to ship a new vaccine tailored to the emerging variant in approximately 100 days.

"We understand the concern of experts and have immediately initiated investigations on variant B.1.1.529," BioNTech said in a statement when asked to comment.

"We expect more data from the laboratory tests in two weeks at the latest. These data will provide more information about whether B.1.1.529 could be an escape variant that may require an adjustment of our vaccine if the variant spreads globally," it added.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biontech-says-expect-more-data-new-variant-2-weeks-2021-11-26/

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Moderna is testing multiple vaccines, including one specifically targeting the new variant as well as a higher dose of its original vaccine.

[ananda]

1. Oh thank god! I was hoping this was the case.

Thanks for posting.

[pnwmom]

2. Yeah, me, too. I'd heard that when Covid happened, they had reached the point

with the mRNA vaccines that they'd only need a few months to produce one, so I was hoping it would be the same thing this time.

[Jose Garcia]

3. Three cheers for big pharma!

[madville]

4. I know Moderna stock went up 20% yesterday

On the news of the new variant, up over 500% since this all began in 2020, making a fortune.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

5. 100 days for new shot?

I appreciate all they have done so far, but Big Pharma is still Big Pharma.

If they had their way, we would have to use their products weekly at a higher price then everywhere, and they would be immune from criminal and civil liability.

It just sucks that the pukes politicised the vaccines to the point that it has made companies like JnJ look good.

[pnwmom]

7. Yes. They had been working on the technology since MIT started research in the 70's.

They had reached the point, through decades of studies and trials, of having determined that the technology was safe; the remaining question was how effective it would be for a particular virus. All they needed to do to produce the vaccine at that point was sequence the new virus, and then they could go into trials of the finished vaccine.

They successfully did this with the Alpha variant. There's no reason they can't with omicron.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

8. Then waving patents should be easy. n/t

[pnwmom]

9. And Biden wants them to. What could be difficult for some poorer countries

is having adequate cold storage -- in areas that don't even have electricity.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

10. If they can make new

Approved vaccines in 100 days, but not figure out delivery to poorer nations, the cycle will repeat.

[pnwmom]

11. It's not a matter of delivery, it's a matter of ELECTRICITY. nt

[OneCrazyDiamond]

12. We have to a solve that.

Have to.

[hamsterjill]

13. Exactly!

There was a segment on CNN over the weekend with Ana Cabrera. I was driving, so I don't have a link. There was a representative from Moderna on, and then another commentator came on after that. He called Moderna out for the variant issue in Botswana because evidently Moderna is selling the vaccine in some places like Botswana for a lot more money than in others, including the US. He said that until we all learn that this is a GLOBAL problem and get the world vaccinated, that we are all going to continue to suffer.

He's right. There are some things that are more important than money, and this is one of those things.

[Akoto]

6. Just recently got my Pfizer booster. Here's hoping it's good! n/t