Moderna: Booster increases antibody levels

Moderna announced on Monday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases antibody levels against omicron.

The company said in a statement that preliminary data from a study showed that an authorized booster shot of 50 micrograms — which is half the amount used in the initial two Moderna doses — increases antibody levels against omicron 37-fold compared to pre-booster levels. However, when the initial dosage amount of 100 micrograms is used as a booster, neutralizing antibodies levels go up 83-fold, it added.

“The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring,” said Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel on Monday.

Moderna also said that it is working to create an omicron-specific vaccine, with clinical trials continuing into early 2022.

Pfizer too: Pfizer announced earlier this month that a booster dose of its vaccine was also successful at significantly increasing neutralizing antibody levels against the omicron variant.