Pfizer and Moderna Develop XBB.1.5-Targeted Vaccine Set to Launch Next Month
In the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, an updated vaccine specifically targeting the Omicron mutation is set to be released in the coming weeks. This new vaccine aims to address the surge in infection rates associated with the Omicron variant, which has been rapidly spreading since last year.
With the emergence of the EG.5 mutation, there has been a significant increase in confirmed cases worldwide. As experts warn of a potential fall epidemic, there is a growing consensus on the importance of vaccination to protect high-risk groups. It is clear that despite progress, the threat of the coronavirus remains, and continuous efforts are needed to safeguard vulnerable populations.
In Korea, the EG.5 mutation, alternatively known as ‘Eris,’ currently dominates the landscape, following the XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.16 mutations. By the second week of August, the detection rate of the EG.5 mutation had reached 20.3%. Comparatively, it presented a rapid spread of 3.8% per week, making it a primary concern for health officials.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine specifically targets the XBB.1.5 variant, which shares similarities with the EG.5 mutation. By honing in on this particular strain, researchers hope to effectively combat the evolving nature of the virus.
However, despite the necessity for continued vaccination efforts, the demand for vaccines has been on the decline for several reasons. As the public health crisis gradually recedes, young and healthy individuals perceive the disease as less fatal, leading to a decrease in vaccine demand. Moreover, vaccine distrust among certain populations has further contributed to the decline in demand.
In response to the changing landscape, Pfizer, a leading manufacturer of mRNA vaccines, is contemplating job cuts as they anticipate a decline in vaccine production. Similarly, Moderna, another prominent mRNA vaccine manufacturer, predicts that vaccine demand this year will not exceed 50 million doses.
According to Reuters, the combined sales of Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines exceeded $56 billion worldwide last year. However, this year, revenue is expected to reach roughly $20 billion, signaling a significant decrease.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains its position that vaccination should be administered when new vaccines become available in the fall. CDC Director Mandy Cohen stated in a recent podcast episode, “We anticipate the release of a new vaccine in the third or fourth week of September.”
Nevertheless, the CDC is not strongly recommending vaccination for young and healthy individuals. Instead, they are prioritizing vaccination for high-risk groups, such as the elderly, who are at greater risk of severe illness if infected. The CDC’s stance on vaccine recommendations is poised to have a considerable impact on vaccine demand in the upcoming season.
Infectious disease experts also emphasize the importance of vaccination for high-risk groups. Recent research conducted by Professor David Ballware of the University of Minnesota Medical School highlights that vaccinated individuals experience milder symptoms and a shorter recovery period when infected with COVID-19. While vaccination does not guarantee immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness.
As we await the release of the XBB.1.5-targeted vaccine, it is crucial to recognize the ongoing challenges posed by the ever-evolving coronavirus. Vaccination remains a vital tool in our fight against this global health crisis, particularly for those most vulnerable to its effects.
Pfizer, Modena XBB.1.5 target vaccine to be released
The US CDC maintains its position that the Corona 19 vaccine should be vaccinated every fall as an annual measure. Anurak Sirithep Bank/Getty Images.
An updated new coronavirus infection vaccine (COVID-19·Corona 19) is expected to be released next month. It is expected to be a vaccine that targets the Omicron mutation, which has increased detection rates since last year.
As the number of confirmed cases increases significantly worldwide due to the influence of the EG.5 mutation, experts are voicing the need for vaccination in preparation for the fall epidemic. This is why the corona pandemic is not over yet and can still be a threat to high risk groups.
The EG.5 mutation, also known as ‘Eris’, is currently the most commonly found mutation in Korea, following the XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.16 mutations. As of the second week of August, the detection rate was 20.3%. It shows the fastest spreading pattern with an increase of 3.8% per year compared to the previous week, and is expected to become Korea’s main species soon.
The new corona vaccine is updated with the main target of ‘XBB.1.5’, a mutant omicron substrate similar to EG.5.
However, vaccine demand continues to decline given that the COVID-19 public health crisis is over, the disease is not fatal to the young and healthy, and vaccine distrust has increased.
In response, Pfizer, the maker of mRNA vaccines, is considering job cuts to reduce the number of employees by reviewing the situation this fall. Another mRNA vaccine manufacturer, Moderna, also predicted that demand for the vaccine this year would be less than 50 million, and that production would not be large.
According to Reuters, Pfizer and Modena’s vaccine sales last year exceeded $56 billion (75.1856 trillion won) worldwide, but this year, they predicted they would reach around $20 billion (2.68 billion won).
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that vaccination should be given when a vaccine is released in the fall. CDC Director Mandy Cohen said on a podcast last week, “We expect a new vaccine to be released in the third or fourth week of September.”
However, the CDC will not strongly recommend vaccination for young and healthy people. He plans to actively encourage vaccination for high-risk groups such as the elderly, who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill when infected. The position and attitude of the CDC is expected to be an important factor in determining vaccine demand this fall.
Infectious disease experts also recommend vaccination for high-risk groups. David Ballware, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, reported a new study recently and explained that those who received the help of the vaccine would have weaker symptoms and a shorter period when infected with Corona 19. It is explained that you can be infected up to age if you are vaccinated, but the risk of serious disease will be reduced.
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