AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN) said a third jab of its Vaxzevria vaccine significantly boosts levels of antibodies that combat the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) virus.
The FTSE 100 drugs giant cited data from independent investigators at the University of Oxford that indicated a third booster jab neutralised the Omicron variant to levels that were roughly similar to those observed after the second dose against the Delta variant.
A third dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine produced higher levels of neutralising antibodies than those found in persons who had recovered naturally from the three strains of the virus – Alpha, Beta and Delta – that were dominant before omicron came on the scene.
"These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron,” said Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford.
Univ of Oxford..said there was no evidence that its [Vaxzevria COVID vaccine developed alongside AstraZeneca] would not prevent severe disease from Omicron variant & it has“necessary tools and processes” for “rapid development of updated COVID vaccine” if necessary. #Doublespeak
— Sharyl Attkisson????️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) December 21, 2021
Mene Pangalos, the head of AstraZeneca’s biopharmaceuticals research & development (R&D) said the company expected to find that as time goes on the T-cell response will provide “durable protection against severe disease and hospitalisations”.
Nevertheless, the company revealed earlier this week it is working with its R&D partners at Oxford University on a version of the vaccine that specifically counters the Omicron variant. Despite providing the vaccine at cost, AstraZeneca's vaccine has been losing out to rivals deemed to be more effective against the latest strain of the coronavirus.
Trifecta'd! AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer (or if you prefer, Vaxzevria, SpikeVax, Comirnaty). pic.twitter.com/bxiK9ubVGE
— (((Jill Wilson))) (@dedaumier) December 21, 2021