প্রকাশ: 17/02/2022
An Omicron-specific booster could
be ready by August, the CEO of US biotech firm Moderna told
Reuters, but the firm is still gathering clinical data to determine whether
that vaccine would offer better protection than a new dose of the existing jab.
Last month Moderna began clinical trials for
a booster dose specifically designed to
target Omicron but initial results from studies in monkeys show
the Omicron-specific shot may not offer stronger protection
than a new dose of the existing vaccine.
Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel said in an
interview the company aimed to have a booster ready
by August 2022, before next autumn when he said more vulnerable
people may need it.
Moderna's vaccines use mRNA technology to provoke an immune
response, similar to the shot developed by Pfizer/BioNTech.
"We believe a booster will be needed. I
don't know yet if it is going to be the existing
vaccine, Omicron-only, or bivalent: Omicron and existing
vaccine, two mRNA in one dose."
He said a decision would be made in the coming months when
clinical data becomes available.
Bancel also confirmed that under the best-case
scenario Moderna would have ready by August 2023 a
so-called pan-vaccine which would protect simultaneously against Covid-19,
flu and other respiratory diseases.
He added that pricing for this vaccine under development
would be "very similar" to that applied to the current vaccine.
Moderna charges different prices for different regions
of the world with a range between $15 and $37, according to UNICEF, a United
Nations agency involved in the distribution of vaccines to poorer nations.
BOOSTING SALES IN EUROPE
Separately, Moderna announced plans to expand its
commercial network in Europe in a bid to increase sales on the continent.
"Moderna plans to establish a commercial presence
in Belgium, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden to support the
delivery of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics locally," the company said in a
statement.
These new European subsidiaries will be added to commercial
offices in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and
Britain. Moderna is also boosting its commercial presence in Asia.
In Europe, Moderna produces its vaccines through
manufacturing partnerships which include Lonza in Switzerland and the
Netherlands, ROVI in Spain and Recipharm in France.
The company shipped last year more than 800
million Covid-19 shots globally and has deals with EU countries for the
supply of up to 460 million doses.
Besides vaccines, Moderna is also developing mRNA
drugs against a range of conditions including cancer, cardiovascular and rare
genetic diseases.
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