Moderna to Test Variant-Specific Vaccine Candidate

By Josh Beckerman

Moderna Inc. discussed plans to address the Omicron Covid-19 variant, including a new variant-specific vaccine candidate known as mRNA-1273.529.

The company said it is testing three vaccine booster candidates against the variant.

The Omicron variant "includes mutations seen in the Delta variant that are believed to increase transmissibility and mutations seen in the Beta and Delta variants that are believed to promote immune escape," the company said. "The combination of mutations represents a significant potential risk to accelerate the waning of natural and vaccine-induced immunity," Moderna said.

Write to Josh Beckerman at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-26-21 1555ET