Pfizer mentioned Wednesday {that a} booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine might defend in opposition to the brand new omicron variant though the preliminary two doses seem considerably much less efficient.
Pfizer and its accomplice BioNTech mentioned lab exams confirmed a booster dose elevated by 25-fold the extent of so-called neutralizing antibodies in opposition to omicron.
Pfizer introduced the preliminary laboratory knowledge in a press launch and it hasn’t but undergone scientific assessment. The businesses already are working to create an omicron-specific vaccine in case it’s wanted.
READ MORE: As omicron spreads, consultants speculate whether or not it would overtake delta
Scientists have speculated that the excessive leap in antibodies that comes with a 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccines may be sufficient to counter any lower in effectiveness.
Antibody ranges predict how properly a vaccine might forestall an infection with the coronavirus however they’re only one layer of the immune system’s defenses. Pfizer mentioned two doses of the vaccine should still induce safety in opposition to extreme illness.
“Though two doses of the vaccine should still provide safety in opposition to extreme illness attributable to the Omicron pressure, it’s clear from these preliminary knowledge that safety is maximized with a 3rd dose of our vaccine,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla mentioned in a press release.
Pfizer’s announcement had a right away impression on U.S. markets. Futures that had pointed to a decrease open reversed course in seconds and swung solidly to the constructive with the Dow leaping nearly 200 factors.