This post was originally published on this site
https://i-invdn-com.investing.com/trkd-images/LYNXMPEHBK0XX_L.jpg
“Together with Oxford University, we have taken preliminary steps in producing an Omicron variant vaccine, in case it is needed and will be informed by emerging data,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement.
Oxford did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours.
The Financial Times first reported the news, citing Sandy Douglas, a research group leader at Oxford.
“Adenovirus-based vaccines (such as that made by Oxford/AstraZeneca) could in principle be used to respond to any new variant more rapidly than some may previously have realised,” Douglas told FT.
A lab-study last week found that AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN)’s antibody cocktail Evusheld retained neutralising activity against the Omicron variant.
Vaccine makers Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) also previously said they were working on Omicron- specific COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna said hopes to start clinical trials early next year.
