Pfizer-BioNTech launches clinical trials on Omicron vaccine

In a statement, the companies announced the launch of a clinical study saying it would be performed on “healthy adults aged 18 to 55”.

Noting that the study will have “three groups reviewing different regimens of the current Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 or an Omicron-based vaccine”, the statement also states that the study is part of ongoing efforts to address Omicron and determine the potential need for vaccines based on this variant ”.

The statement also included comments from Kathrin Jansen, Senior Vice President and Head of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer, who said: “Current research and real-world data show that boosters continue to provide a high level of protection against “With Omicron hospitalization, we understand the need to prepare in the event that this protection fades over time and potentially help address Omicron and new variants in the future.”

For his part, Uğur Şahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech, said that “vaccines continue to provide strong protection against serious diseases caused by Omicron. However, evolving data show that vaccine-induced protection against mild to moderate disease fades faster than previously observed with previous variants.

“This study is part of our science-based approach to developing a variant-based vaccine that achieves a similar level of protection against Omicron as previous variants, but with a longer duration of protection,” he added.

BioNTech / Pfizer vaccines were the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the EU in December 2020.

The vaccine uses an innovative mRNA technique based on a messenger molecule with instructions to produce a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19, preparing the body to fight disease.

Unlike traditional vaccines, BioNTech / Pfizer does not contain the virus itself.

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