“Moderna’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Likely Effective Against Highly-Mutated BA.2.86 Subvariant”
Moderna announced that clinical trial data indicates its updated COVID-19 vaccine is likely effective against the highly-mutated BA.2.86 subvariant of the coronavirus. The company reported an 8.7-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies in humans against BA.2.86, which has been a focus of concern for health authorities. BA.2.86 carries over 35 mutations compared to the dominant variant XBB.1.5. The new data has been shared with regulators and submitted for peer review publication. Moderna’s retooled vaccine is expected to be available later this month or in early October, pending FDA approval
