Pfizer "Developing Booster Shot Targeting Delta Variant" (Comprehensive)

Clinical Trials to Begin as Early as Next Month

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Pfizer announced on the 8th (local time) that it is developing a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot targeting the Delta variant.

In a statement released that day, Pfizer said, "While a third dose of our vaccine is expected to provide the highest preventive effect against most variants, we decided to proceed with this development to avoid any complacency," CNBC reported.

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced on the 5th that the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine, which was 94% against the original coronavirus, sharply dropped to 64% after the spread of the Delta variant.

Pfizer stated, "According to Israeli research, six months after vaccination, when the Delta variant became dominant, vaccine effectiveness decreased," adding, "This aligns with our Phase 3 clinical trial results."

They further noted, "Considering the data so far, a third dose is likely needed 6 to 12 months after the second dose."

Pfizer plans to begin clinical trials for the new booster shot on 10,000 people as early as August. This requires approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Mikael Dolsten, Pfizer's Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), said, "We plan to apply for approval from health authorities next month."

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