Moderna had previously said there was an effective response against EG.5 and FL.1.5.1 variants.
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Moderna
‘s updated Covid-19 vaccine helps fight the new variants of the virus that are circulating, including the BA.2.86 subvariant, the company said Wednesday.
Over the last few weeks, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected a new variant called BA.2.86 in samples from infected people and sewer water in the U.S. and several other countries. This variant is notable since it has been detected in several locations within a short span of time and given its genetic differences from previous versions, raising concerns of higher hospitalizations.
Clinical trial data from Moderna (ticker: MRNA) shared on Wednesday suggested its shot increased antibodies in humans against the BA.2.86 Covid strain by almost ninefold. The company, on Aug. 17, had announced preliminary clinical trial data that showed a similar effective response against EG.5 and FL.1.5.1 variants, other variants growing in prevalence.
That’s not helping Moderna stock today. Shares are down 2% to $107.21 Wednesday. After falling nearly 3% on Tuesday. The big question remains: Even if the vaccine works, how many people will actually get it?
Write to Karishma Vanjani at [email protected]
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