Pfizer and BioNTech lab study claim booster shot can neutralize Omicron strain

• Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech are developing an Omicron-specific vaccination, aim to have ready by March

• Third dose boosted antibodies 25-fold in neutralizing the Omicron strain

Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE claimed in lab testing that the third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine boosted antibodies 25-fold in neutralizing the Omicron strain, while the two-dose regimen was less efficient at neutralizing the virus.

However, because the vast majority of epitopes targeted by vaccine-induced T cells are unaffected by Omicron mutations, the companies believe that vaccinated individuals may still be protected against severe forms of the disease and are closely monitoring global real-world effectiveness against Omicron.

Pfizer and BioNTech are developing an Omicron-specific vaccination, which they aim to have ready by March.

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The businesses' preliminary findings came a day after South African scientists announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine generated one-fortieth of the infection-fighting antibodies against Omicron than the original form of the virus, WSJ stated. 

“Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is improved with the third dose of our vaccine,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer, in a statement. 

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According to early data from the firms, a third dosage generates a similar level of neutralizing antibodies against Omicron as two doses against wild-type and other variations that developed before Omicron. These antibody levels are linked to a high level of effectiveness against both the wild-type virus and these variations.

U.S. Omicron Variant Cases 

On November 24, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) received notification of a new variety of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529. This new variety was discovered in specimens taken in Botswana on November 11, 2021, and in South Africa on November 14, 2021.

Read more: Dissecting the latest coronavirus variant threat — Omicron

On November 26, 2021, WHO designated the B.1.1.529 Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VOC). The United States declared Omicron as a VOC on November 30, 2021, and the first verified U.S. case of Omicron was detected on December 1, 2021.

The new type has already been discovered in 19 U.S. states including New York, Washington, Texas, California, and others according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Picture Credits: Reuters