Moderna’s Omicron-variant booster delivers greater protection against COVID-19 threats

Moderna, Inc. revealed clinical data on its Omicron-containing bivalent COVID booster candidate, mRNA-1273.214, this week, showing that one-month post-administration, a 50 µg dose of the booster provided a superior neutralizing antibody response compared to its predecessor vaccine.

Well-tolerated and with side effects similar to the original mRNA-1273, the booster met pre-specified endpoints and goals, proving a potential boon against the Omicron variant. It increased neutralizing geometric mean titers against Omicron by approximately eight times the baseline levels. Its binding antibody titers were also significantly higher against all variants of concern – not just Omicron.

“We are thrilled to share the preliminary data analysis on mRNA-1273.214, which is the second demonstration of superiority of our bivalent booster platform against variants of concern and represents an innovation in the fight against COVID,” Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, said. “Looking at these data alongside the durability we saw with our first bivalent booster candidate, mRNA-1273.211, we anticipate more durable protection against variants of concern with mRNA-1273.214, making it our lead candidate for a Fall 2022 booster. We are submitting our preliminary data and analysis to regulators with the hope that the Omicron-containing bivalent booster will be available in the late summer.”

Moderna has focused on bivalent boosters, meaning boosters that address two viral strains simultaneously, since February 2021. This move was made in accordance with the ongoing evolutions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For this particular bivalent booster, 437 study participants determined the results.