Moderna’s Updated COVID Shot Expected to Provide Protection Against Concerning Variant
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, new variants of the virus have emerged, raising concerns about their potential impact on public health. One such variant, known as B.1.351 or the South African variant, has been particularly worrisome due to its ability to evade some of the immunity provided by existing vaccines. However, pharmaceutical company Moderna has recently announced an updated version of its COVID-19 vaccine that is expected to provide protection against this concerning variant.
The B.1.351 variant has been found to possess certain mutations in the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the target of most COVID-19 vaccines. These mutations have raised concerns that existing vaccines may be less effective in preventing infection and reducing the severity of illness caused by this variant. However, Moderna’s updated vaccine, known as mRNA-1273.351, has been specifically designed to address these concerns.
The mRNA-1273.351 vaccine incorporates the genetic instructions for producing the spike protein found in the B.1.351 variant. By including this specific spike protein variant in the vaccine, Moderna aims to stimulate a robust immune response that can effectively neutralize the South African variant. This updated vaccine is currently being evaluated in clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy.
Preliminary data from Moderna’s ongoing studies have shown promising results. In a laboratory study conducted on blood samples from individuals who had received the original mRNA-1273 vaccine, researchers found that a single booster dose of the mRNA-1273.351 vaccine significantly increased neutralizing antibody levels against the B.1.351 variant. This suggests that the updated vaccine could provide enhanced protection against this concerning variant.
Moderna is also exploring a multivalent booster candidate, mRNA-1273.211, which combines the original vaccine with the mRNA-1273.351 variant. This approach aims to provide broad protection against multiple variants of the virus, including the B.1.351 variant. Clinical trials for this multivalent booster candidate are expected to begin soon.
The development and deployment of updated vaccines targeting specific variants are crucial in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. While existing vaccines have shown efficacy against other variants, the emergence of new strains highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation of vaccination strategies. Moderna’s efforts to update its vaccine to address the B.1.351 variant demonstrate the commitment of pharmaceutical companies to stay ahead of the evolving virus.
It is important to note that even with the emergence of concerning variants, existing vaccines still offer significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by COVID-19. Vaccination remains a critical tool in controlling the spread of the virus and reducing its impact on public health.
In conclusion, Moderna’s updated COVID shot, mRNA-1273.351, holds promise in providing protection against the concerning B.1.351 variant. Ongoing studies have shown encouraging results, indicating that this updated vaccine could enhance immunity against this specific variant. The development of variant-specific vaccines underscores the importance of continuous research and adaptation in the face of an evolving pandemic. As vaccination efforts continue, it is crucial to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
- Source Link: https://platohealth.ai/moderna-says-updated-covid-shot-likely-to-protect-against-worrisome-variant/