Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters May Provide Significant Omicron Antibodies

Moderna’s available booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine mRNA-1273 provides significant antibody response against the surging SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, according to the company in a report Monday morning.

In new unpublished, non-reviewed laboratory data shared by Moderna, 2 differing booster dose sizes of the mRNA vaccine were associated with major increases in antibodies—even when incorporating the mutations observed in variants of concern including Beta, Delta, and Omicron.

Moderna investigators reported that currently authorized 50 mcg booster dose of mRNA-1273 provided an approximate 37-fold antibody increase in previously vaccinated persons. A 100 mcg booster dose provided an approximate 83-fold antibody increase.

The company assessed booster doses of the vaccine, being considered for tailored protection against variants of concern. Each dose of the vaccines is being observed in 20 participants with low levels of Omicron-relevant antibodies. At day 29 of the trial, after receiving a third shot of the vaccine, the 50 mcg and 100 mcg doses were both associated with major jump in antibody protection.

Additionally, Moderna has tested multivalent booster doses that feature mutations observed in the Beta and Delta variants; such mutations are characteristic of Omicron as well. Their 300- to 600-participant ongoing assessments have thus far also shown benefit with these booster doses at 50 mcg and 100 mcg.

The preliminary findings from these booster dose trials come at a pivotal time of pandemic response. Through December 19, the 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases in the US was at 132,000 and rising—cases have surpassed 50 million in the last 30 days, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of December 18, more than 202 million Americans (61.4%) were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 60 million (18.2%) had received a booster dose as well.