Vaccine Distributor Moderna Says Its COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot Produced “Robust” Antibody Responses Against Delta Variant

According to a recently released study, Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine booster shot produced a “robust” antibody response to the Delta variant.

The company is testing a 50-microgram dose of three vaccine booster candidates in a phase two trial. However, it’s being tested in previously vaccinated individuals, CNBC reported.

Apparently, its booster shots produced an immune response against three variants, one being the Delta strand, with antibody levels in those seen in unvaccinated individuals who received two 100-microgram doses.

The data from the study has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal to be published, the company added.

Moderna’s second-quarter financial report was above Wall Street’s expectations on the company’s earnings and revenue. The company earned $6.46 in earnings per share and $4.35 billion in revenue.

As the Delta variant continues to spread, the new data on boosters is perfectly timed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the Delta variant is highly contagious—similar to chickenpox—and may make older people sicker if they go unvaccinated.

The company believes the variant will cause an increase in breakthrough infection, which occurs in vaccinated individuals.

“While we see durable Phase 3 efficacy through 6 months, we expect neutralizing titers will continue to wane and eventually impact vaccine efficacy,” the company said. “Given this intersection, we believe dose 3 booster will likely be necessary prior to the winter season.”

Some people in the U.S. are already finding ways to secure their booster shot as Delta continues to surge. But the World Health Organization called on wealthy nations to suspend the distribution of booster shots due to inequality surrounding vaccine availability in the world.

On Thursday, Moderna announced that it found that its two-dose vaccine was 93% effective and can remain durable through six months.