Moderna says a booster dose of its coronavirus vaccine appears to provide protection against the Omicron variant that is rapidly spreading in the United States and across the globe.
The vaccine manufacturer on Monday announced results from a study that shows a third dose of its mRNA vaccine significantly raises the level of antibodies that can thwart the Omicron variant.
According to the study, a 50 microgram booster dose -- half the dose of the original shots -- increased the level of antibodies by roughly 37-fold. A 100 microgram full dose, designed for immunocompromised patients, increased antibody levels by about 83-fold.
"The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement.
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Given the variant's rapid spread, Moderna said a booster shot of its vaccine is the "first line of defense against Omicron".
Pfizer and BioNTech also said earlier this month that their booster shot produces stronger immunity against the variant than just the two-shot regimen.
At this point, a third shot is not required to be fully vaccinated, though federal health officials have encouraged everyone who is eligible to consider getting a booster. About 29.5% percent of the U.S. population has had one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Data shows Omicron has been identified in 43 U.S. states and 89 countries. The World Health Organization said cases are doubling every one-and-a-half to three days. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, has said Omicron will become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the U.S. within a few weeks.
As Omicron continues to spread, Moderna is developing a booster shot specifically designed to battle the variant and hopes to advance to clinical trials by 2022.
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"We will also continue to generate and share data across our booster strategies with public health authorities to help them make evidence-based decisions on the best vaccination strategies," Bancel said.
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