Modified form of existing vaccine
Approval application expected as early as Q3
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Moderna, the company developing the COVID-19 vaccine, is set to soon conduct clinical trials for an improved vaccine capable of responding to variant viruses.
On the 24th (local time), Moderna announced that it will soon initiate clinical trials for an improved vaccine designed to combat COVID-19 variants, including the variant originating from South Africa. Moderna CEO St?phane Bancel stated, "We have delivered vaccine samples to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the phase 1 clinical trial of this vaccine," adding, "We are rapidly advancing the development of vaccines capable of responding to variant viruses through our proprietary vaccine platform."
The vaccine Moderna is about to begin clinical trials for has been developed to more effectively respond to the South African variant. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, "It is an improved version of the existing COVID-19 vaccine," and added, "If the clinical trials proceed successfully, it will be the first vaccine capable of responding to the South African variant virus."
Additionally, Moderna mentioned that it is researching methods such as mixing the existing vaccine with the improved vaccine or increasing the dosage of the existing vaccine to respond to variant viruses.
Depending on the clinical trial results, Moderna plans to apply for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as early as the third quarter. Previously, the FDA announced on the 22nd that it would expedite the review process for vaccines targeting variant viruses.
Moderna also stated that it aims to supply 1 billion doses of the existing vaccine within this year and deliver at least 1.4 billion doses by next year.
Meanwhile, other pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Janssen are also developing vaccines to respond to variant viruses by improving their existing vaccines.
The WSJ emphasized, "To end the COVID-19 crisis, developing vaccines that prepare for variant viruses is crucial," and added, "How quickly new vaccines can be developed will be key to ending the COVID-19 crisis."
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