On Wednesday, Moderna released preliminary results for a “next generation” COVID-19 vaccine that contains sequences specially targeting the omicron variant. This new vaccine, which currently goes by the not-so-marketable name of “COVID booster candidate mRNA-1273.214,” was administered to 437 patients in a Phase 2/3 trial at the same level Moderna uses in current boosters. It generated a reported “eightfold increase in neutralizing antibody levels.” Full results of the testing have not yet been made available, but Moderna is expected to seek authorization that would allow the new vaccine to be used as a booster to supplement their existing vaccine.
If it seems that these next-generation vaccines have been a long time in coming, this isn’t actually the first vaccine to reach his point. Both Moderna and BioNTech (developers of the vaccine distributed by Pfizer) have developed other candidates to address new COVID-19 variants. For example, Moderna’s candidate vaccine mRNA-1273.211, which included proteins targeting the delta variant, reported test results in April.
However, the rapid changeover from delta to omicron variants as the dominant version of COVID-19 meant that the previous round of vaccines were essentially outdated before they could be put into production. The new candidate is reportedly more effective against “all known variants of concern” including alpha, beta, gamma, delta, as well as the the family of omicron subvariants.
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The new mRNA-1273.214 is actually a bivalent vaccine. That is, it contains more than one target sequence. In this case, the vaccine contains a mixture of Moderna’s vaccine already in production, known as mRNA-1273 or “Spikevax,” along with the new sequence that specifically addresses omicron.
Back in February, Moderna described an upcoming strategy in which it would regularly issue new vaccines as boosters to address the changing threat from COVID-19—a strategy that’s not far off from the way in which most countries deal with flu. However, because the duration of COVID-19 vaccines is measured in months, and the virus doesn’t seem to follow the kind of seasonal pattern seen in flu, the plan is to potentially have two new COVID-19 boosters each year.
Modern has identified mRNA-1273.214 as their leading candidate for a “Fall 2022 booster.” That time frame suggests that the company is likely to seek FDA approval through the same kind of channels in which companies introduce new flu vaccines, rather than applying for the kind of Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) under which new COVID-19 vaccines have been initially introduced.
That timing is also a good indicator that if you’ve been waiting for a new vaccine to become available before getting that fourth (or even third) jab, you should stop waiting. Get another booster now, because nothing new is likely to be available before September or October. Similar announcements can be expected from Pfizer and others, but none of them are likely to be available sooner.
Since the world seems to be determined to ignore a disease that is still generating thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of long-term illnesses each day, it’s absolutely essential that people stay up to date on vaccinations and take such precautions as situations allow. In other words, hanging around the local bar, or gathering at that big table in the local eatery for a leisurely two-hour meal, remain very good ways to catch a virus that will potentially leave you debilitated for weeks, months, or years. Take advantage of the summer months to eat outside, enjoy a walk, and in general do things that don’t involve being in confined spaces with a large number of people. And, even if you get sour looks from the folks at your local store, wear that mask when you have to be inside a public place for more than a few minutes.
Improved vaccines are coming that are likely to provide more effective protection over a longer period, but you, your family, your friends, and everyone else you meet can’t afford to wait. Existing vaccines continue to be highly effective in preventing severe disease and deaths. Keep up with your boosters.