Early Data Shows Existing Antibodies Can Fight New BA.2.86 COVID Variant, But Updated Vaccines Coming Soon

Early data shows existing antibodies can protect against new BA.2.86 variant
CDC says BA.2.86 not driving current COVID increases in US
BA.2.86 identified in 9 US states and other countries
FDA expected to authorize updated vaccines targeting XBB.1.5 soon
CDC says early data on new shots is encouraging

yahoo.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/18/2023

What you need to know about the latest, highly mutated Covid variant

Main Topic: Global disease experts are monitoring a new variant, BA.2.86, that carries a large number of mutations and may be capable of sidestepping vaccine protection to some degree. Key Points: 1. BA.2.86 is significantly different from the original Omicron variant and the previously dominant strain targeted by upcoming Covid booster shots. 2. Only a handful of cases of the BA.2.86 variant have been identified globally, but it is being closely monitored by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 3. It is uncertain how transmissible BA.2.86 is, but experts believe it is capable of evading antibodies from prior infections and vaccinations. The impact of BA.2.86 on booster shots and case counts is still unknown.

8/27/2023

Covid cases are rising, just as new vaccines are almost ready

The U.S. is experiencing a rise in Covid cases just as new vaccines that protect against the latest variants are almost ready.

9/6/2023

Moderna says updated Covid vaccine was effective against highly mutated BA.2.86 variant in trial

Moderna's updated Covid vaccine has shown a strong immune response against the highly mutated omicron variant BA.2.86, suggesting that the vaccine will still be effective against newer variants of the virus.

9/27/2023

VBI Vaccines' Pan-Coronavirus Vaccine Candidate Shows Promising Protection Against Major COVID Variants in Early Trial

VBI Vaccines Inc. reported positive Phase I trial results for its pan-coronavirus vaccine candidate, showing broad and durable protection against COVID-19 variants of concern.

10/3/2023

FDA Authorizes Updated Novavax COVID Vaccine for Fall 2023 Targeting Newer Virus Strains

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized Novavax's updated COVID-19 vaccine, providing Americans with a protein-based non-mRNA option to protect against the virus.

Topics

Posted 9/8/2023, 6:39:04 PM