Pfizer said the updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine would be “ready in 100 days” if the new Omicron variant is resistant to the current vaccine.

• Pfizer said the COVID-19 vaccine could be renewed if a variant of Omicron was found to be resistant to the current vaccine.

• The company said it could renew its current vaccine within 100 days.

• Pfizer expects to know within two weeks if the mutant is resistant, a spokesman told Reuters.

Pfizer said it could manufacture and distribute an updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine within 100 days if the new variant Omicron was found to be resistant to the current vaccine.

Scientists first discovered a new variant in South Africa. Since then, it has spread to several other countries, including Israel and Belgium, A series of travel bans Europe, Asia, and North America, Insider Aria Bendix report..Health officials said on Saturday that there were two cases of variants Detected in the UK..

The mutant itself has multiple mutations, which may help avoid antibodies generated in the body after vaccination with COVID-19 vaccine. Mutations can also cause the mutant to spread easily — Even among vaccinated people..

World Health Organization tells OmicronVariant of concern, “The distinction given to the most threatening coronavirus variants. Delta, a subspecies that surged throughout the summer in the United States, was the last subspecies to receive the label.

It is not yet clear whether the existing COVID-19 vaccine will protect against mutants. But vaccine makers like Pfizer are already considering their options.

“Pfizer and BioNTech took action a few months ago, adapting the mRNA vaccine within 6 weeks and allowing the first batch to be shipped within 100 days in the event of an escape variant,” the company said. .. statement..

Pfizer expects to know within two weeks whether the mutant is resistant to the current vaccine, a company spokeswoman said. Reuters..

“We expect to receive more data from laboratory tests within two weeks at the latest. These data indicate that B.1.1.529 requires vaccine adjustment if the mutant spreads globally. It provides more information about possible escape variants, “said a spokeswoman.

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Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are also preparing to address the potential threat of Omicron.

Friday’s Moderna said it plans to test Variant-specific booster If the current vaccine turns out to be ineffective against Omicron.

“From the beginning, we have stated that it is essential to actively work on the evolution of the virus when trying to overcome the pandemic. Mutations in the Omicron variant are a concern and will be as quick as possible for several days. We are acting to implement a strategy to deal with this variant. ” Press release..

Johnson & Johnson Also test effectiveness Of that vaccine against the Omicron variant.

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