BioNTech CEO "Confident in Effectiveness Despite India-Origin Double Mutation"

▲ Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] BioNTech, the manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccine, announced on the 29th (local time) that its COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the so-called "double mutant" variant found in India.

Ugur Sahin, founder and CEO of BioNTech, explained in an interview with CNBC on the same day, "We tested the COVID-19 vaccine, jointly developed with Pfizer, against a similar double mutant variant and found it to be effective."

He added, "We are currently evaluating the variants," and said, "We expect to have data available in the coming weeks."

He also stated, "We previously tested a similar double mutant variant," and "Based on the data obtained at that time, we are confident that we can neutralize this virus in a similar way."

However, he left room for uncertainty by saying, "We will only know once the data is in our hands."

Currently, in India, a so-called "double mutant (B.1.617)" variant, which carries two types of mutations, has been identified. This variant has spread indiscriminately within India and is now being detected in other countries, including the United States.

Previous studies have shown that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is effective against the New York variant (B.1.526) and the UK variant (B.1.1.7), and while there is some immune evasion with the South African variant (B.1.351), the vaccine still provides a high level of effectiveness.

CEO Sahin emphasized, "Even if the vaccine remains effective, a third dose may be necessary."

The company's vaccine is based on two doses, but a third dose might be needed as immunity wanes after vaccination.

He further explained, "Researchers have found that antibody responses to the virus decrease after about eight months," and predicted, "If a booster dose is administered, it could amplify the antibody response to a higher level than initially, potentially maintaining immunity for at least 12 months, possibly up to 18 months."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.