At least six months of respite.
The Moderna vaccine against Covid-19 demonstrates convincing efficacy for at least six months, and the booster doses currently tested against the variants show "robust" results, the American biotechnology company said on Thursday.
According to clinical trials conducted on thousands of people, the effectiveness of the vaccine is 93% six months after the injection of the second dose, Moderna said in a statement released on the occasion of its second quarter results.
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"We are satisfied that our Covid-19 vaccine shows lasting efficacy of 93% over six months, but we recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat, so we must remain vigilant," said the boss of Moderna, Stéphane Bancel, quoted in the press release.
Here are key takeaways from the Moderna Phase 3 COVE Study final analysis and real-world evidence.
Final analysis of Phase 3 COVE Study demonstrates COVID-19 vaccine efficacy of 93% and emerging real-world evidence demonstrates efficacy against variants of concern.
pic.twitter.com/8HJ4OiUcAj
- Moderna (@moderna_tx) August 5, 2021
The company is testing several versions of a booster dose to increase immune protection against variants.
A third dose of the initial vaccine, a new formula based on the Beta variant (first identified in South Africa), and a dose containing equal parts of the initial vaccine and this new formula are under study.
Towards full authorization in the United States
The three different candidates "triggered robust antibody production" against the Delta variant, as well as against the Gamma and Beta variants, Moderna says.
The results of these phase 2 trials have been submitted for publication in a scientific journal, she said.
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Moderna, which has requested full authorization for its vaccine in the United States, has also indicated that in August it will have provided all the information necessary to obtain it. Until now, the pharmaceutical company had only obtained a temporary emergency authorization to deliver its vaccines.