[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Pfizer and BioNTech have initiated clinical trials for a COVID-19 Omicron variant-specific vaccine.
On the 25th (local time), Pfizer and BioNTech announced through a press release that they have started clinical trials to test the safety, harmony, and efficacy of the Omicron-specific vaccine.
The 1,420 clinical trial participants are divided into three groups. The first group consists of 600 individuals who received the existing COVID-19 vaccine 90 to 180 days before the trial began. They will receive 1 to 2 doses of the Omicron-specific vaccine.
The second group includes about 600 people who have received an additional booster shot of the existing vaccine. They will be administered either the existing vaccine or the Omicron-specific vaccine.
The third group consists of 200 unvaccinated individuals who have not previously contracted COVID-19. They will receive 3 doses of the Omicron-specific vaccine.
Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech, stated, "This study is an academic approach to developing a vaccine that prevents Omicron at the same level as other variants while providing long-lasting protection." He added that the current vaccines also prevent severe progression from Omicron infection at a high level.
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