Moderna CEO: "Omicron Booster Shot Development Likely Ready Within Weeks"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The CEO of the U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna predicted that vaccine development for the new COVID-19 variant Omicron could begin within a few weeks.

Stefan Bancel, Moderna CEO, stated in an interview with the Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger on the 21st (local time), "We are waiting for critical information about this variant to develop a booster shot vaccine for the Omicron variant."

He said, "Only slight modifications are needed for the Omicron variant (from the existing vaccine)," adding, "I hope to start clinical trials early next year."

He further explained that if major drug regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the use of the Omicron variant vaccine, it would take a few months to produce 500 million doses, and if these authorities request additional data, it could take at least three more months.

Stefan Bancel said, "For now, the focus should be on booster shots of the existing vaccine," and predicted that Moderna could produce 100 to 150 million doses per month next year.

Moderna produced 700 to 800 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this year.

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