Push Admin

Moderna eyes COVID booster by August, not clear yet if Omicron-specific needed

Article (news)

Francesco Guarascio, Reuters

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="A healthcare worker prepares a syringe with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at a pop-up vaccination site in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., January 29, 2021. Mike Segar, Reuters/File Photo" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/reuters/02/18/20220216-health-coronavirus-moderna-europe.jpg"/><figcaption>A healthcare worker prepares a syringe with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at a pop-up vaccination site in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., January 29, 2021. <em>Mike Segar, Reuters/File Photo</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>BRUSSELS - An omicron-specific booster could be ready by August, the CEO of US biotech firm Moderna told Reuters, but the firm is still gathering clinical data to determine whether that vaccine would offer better protection than a new dose of the existing jab.</p><p>Last month Moderna began clinical trials for a booster dose specifically designed to target Omicron but initial results from studies in monkeys show the Omicron-specific shot may not offer stronger protection than a new dose of the existing vaccine.</p><p>Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel said in an interview the company aimed to have a booster ready by August 2022, before next autumn when he said more vulnerable people may need it.</p><p>Moderna&#x27;s vaccines use mRNA technology to provoke an immune response, similar to the shot developed by Pfizer/BioNTech.</p><p>&quot;We believe a booster will be needed. I don&#x27;t know yet if it is going to be the existing vaccine, Omicron-only, or bivalent: Omicron and existing vaccine, two mRNA in one dose.&quot;</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/01/27/22/moderna-begins-trial-of-omicron-specific-vaccine-booster">Moderna begins trial of Omicron-specific vaccine booster</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/02/05/22/cdc-backs-full-approval-of-modernas-covid-19-vaccine">US CDC backs full approval of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine</a></li></ul><p>He said a decision would be made in the coming months when clinical data becomes available.</p><p>Bancel also confirmed that under the best-case scenario Moderna would have ready by August 2023 a so-called pan-vaccine which would protect simultaneously against COVID-19, flu and other respiratory diseases.</p><p>He added that pricing for this vaccine under development would be &quot;very similar&quot; to that applied to the current vaccine.</p><p>Moderna charges different prices for different regions of the world with a range between $15 and $37, according to UNICEF, a United Nations agency involved in the distribution of vaccines to poorer nations.</p><div><strong>BOOSTING SALES IN EUROPE</strong></div><p>Separately, Moderna announced plans to expand its commercial network in Europe in a bid to increase sales on the continent.</p><p>&quot;Moderna plans to establish a commercial presence in Belgium, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden to support the delivery of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics locally,&quot; the company said in a statement.</p><p>These new European subsidiaries will be added to commercial offices in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Britain. Moderna is also boosting its commercial presence in Asia.</p><p>In Europe, Moderna produces its vaccines through manufacturing partnerships which include Lonza in Switzerland and the Netherlands, ROVI in Spain and Recipharm in France.</p><p>The company shipped last year more than 800 million COVID-19 shots globally and has deals with EU countries for the supply of up to 460 million doses.</p><p>Besides vaccines, Moderna is also developing mRNA drugs against a range of conditions including cancer, cardiovascular and rare genetic diseases. </p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aVWqdcbPSQ4?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

An omicron-specific booster could be ready by August, the CEO of US biotech firm Moderna told Reuters, but the firm is still gathering clinical data to determine whether that vaccine would offer better protection than a new dose of the existing jab.

Moderna eyes COVID booster by August, not clear yet if Omicron-specific needed

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Overseas

Moderna eyes COVID booster by August, not clear yet if Omicron-specific needed

Francesco Guarascio,

Reuters

Published Feb 18, 2022 12:26 PM PHT

Read More:

COVID-19 vaccine

omicron variant

Moderna

COVID-19 vaccine booster

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.