The Moderna company manufacturing an approved COVID vaccine, issued a game changer press release on January 25, 2021. This said preliminary results suggest the Moderna vaccine may work on new COVID strains from United Kingdom and South Africa. If this proves to be the case then the inoculation program may be back on track.
The Vaccine Retained Its Neutralizing Activity During Test
There had been concerns the UK B.1.1.7 and South African B.1.351 mutations would resist the Moderna vaccine along with other unique COVID variants. The research hinting the contrary took place under the watchful eye of U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. However, it still has to pass through a peer-review process, whereby other topic specialists will verify, or reject the finding.
The current vaccines rolling out in North America and Europe, are based on the original variant which surfaced in Wuhan, China. However, the original coronavirus has produced mutations of which the UK and South African ones proved more infectious. But Pfizer, and now Moderna have indicated their vaccines should still work.
Moderna Vaccine May Work on New Strains But With a Boost
Moderna examined blood samples from eight people benefiting from their double dose. When they exposed these to the UK and South African strains they found they generated sufficient antibodies.
This means the Moderna vaccine may work on these new COVID strains subject to peer review. However, they may need to boost it. That’s because the neutralizing effect on the South African strain was not as powerful, and could dissipate sooner.
Therefore, Moderna is testing the possibility of a third booster shot. It is also considering redesigning that booster to make it more effective. CEO Stephane Bancel told BBC she believes ‘it is imperative to be proactive as the virus evolves’ and we agree.
Related
Will UK Strain Have a Higher Mortality Rate?
Fauci Concerns About the South African Strain
Preview Image: Storing Moderna Vaccine in a Fridge
