COVID-19 Update

We can't have nice things

Two from WaPo (pay wall)

Moderna seeking FDA authorization of omicron-specific booster shot

Updated vaccine produces more antibodies against omicron, company says, but it’s unclear how effective it might be against newest variants

Moderna said it will seek authorization for an updated coronavirus vaccine designed to protect against omicron subvariants that the company described as its “lead candidate” for a fall booster, but it remains unclear how effective the shot will be against the latest versions of the omicron variant spreading in the United States.

Preliminary data released by the company on Wednesday showed that its omicron-targeting coronavirus booster candidate produced 1.75 times as many neutralizing antibodies against the version of omicron that circulated over the winter, known as BA.1, compared with its existing vaccine.

But the omicron variant has mutated so quickly that several new subvariants have emerged that are even better at evading the immune system’s defenses. Two of those, known as BA.4 and BA.5, are now responsible for 13 percent of new coronavirus cases in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in new estimates. It is unclear whether BA.4 and BA.5 will become dominant in the coming months or whether existing immunity in the population from infections and vaccinations will curb their spread.

- more -

FDA advisers recommend authorizing Novavax coronavirus vaccine

A panel of independent vaccine experts recommended Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration authorize a coronavirus vaccine developed by the Maryland biotechnology company Novavax, paving the way for the fourth shot in the United States.

The experts’ vote was 21 in favor of authorizing the Novavax vaccine, with one abstention. But it remained unclear when doses will become available. A decision by the FDA is unlikely to happen immediately because a review of data regarding manufacturing remains ongoing. Novavax on Friday submitted updated manufacturing information to support its vaccine authorization.

The Novavax shot is a protein-based vaccine from traditional technology used against influenza and shingles. Many experts are eager to add another vaccine to the toolbox, particularly because the Johnson & Johnson shot is now recommended only for people who cannot or will not take messenger RNA vaccines.

- more -