Novavax COVID vaccine effective against all Omicron variants fuz2022-07-14 03:29:22
Novavax COVID vaccine surprisingly effective against all Omicron variants
https://newatlas.com/science/novavax-covid19-vaccine-omicron-booster/
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The new data revealed by Novavax indicates its original vaccine formulation seems to generate broad immune responses, resulting in antibodies that display effective responses to all new Omicron variants, including the most immune-evasive BA.5 subtype. In particular, the data indicates a booster shot of Novavax’s vaccine generates neutralizing antibody responses to Omicron variants comparable to what was seen against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 at the peak of its initial Phase 3 trial.
Novavax believes its vaccine is likely more effective against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants compared to mRNA vaccines because it uses a different kind of vaccine technology. This vaccine is known as a protein subunit vaccine and its production involves initially cultivating the infamous coronavirus spike proteins in large manufacturing facilities. The proteins are the assembled into nanoparticles designed to mimic the structure of the virus. These nanoparticles are paired with adjuvants, molecules that help boost the body’s immune response.
Novavax claims the unique structural features of its vaccine lead to the generation of broad cross-neutralizing antibodies that can better detect emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Backing up this hypothesis, Novavax presented data from its newest vaccine formulation designed to more directly target the Omicron BA.1 variant.
The data suggests little difference in antibody responses to Omicron variants when comparing the original vaccine to a newer formulation. Novavax argues this means booster programs using the original formulation could likely be an effective strategy for later this year. However, ongoing trials with the Omicron-specific formulation should deliver results soon and Novavax says it is able to supply this iteration of the vaccine if necessary.
"We are confident that our prototype COVID-19 vaccine generates broad levels of antibodies as a primary series, and that boosting with this prototype vaccine increases the magnitude of the breadth of response," said Gregory Glenn, Novavax’s head of research and development. "While we believe in the strength of our prototype vaccine data, we are prepared to supply an Omicron-based vaccine this fall in accordance with health authority recommendations."
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