On Friday (26th), the emergence of a new variant of the new coronavirus B.1.1.529 in Africa, also known as “Nu”, set off global market shocks. Pfizer’s CEO confirmed that it may take more than three months to develop a new vaccine against the new variant of Nu. .
The new crown epidemic continues to affect the world, and now there are new variants of the virus now!The novel coronavirus B.1.1.529, also known as “Nu”, was discovered in South Africa five days ago and caused panic in various countries. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Italy and Singapore are rapidly adopting travel restrictions to prevent the novel coronavirus. Invasion, the Nu variant strain has invaded at least 5 countries, andPfizer and BioNTech confirmed the timetable for redesigning the new vaccine.
Albert Bourla, chief executive of Pfizer, said that it may take scientists 100 days to develop a new variant vaccine against Nu.
BioNTech said: “We understand the concerns of the experts and immediately started investigating B.1.1.529.” “It is expected that more data will be obtained from laboratory tests within two weeks at the latest. These data will provide more information. , Indicating whether Nu may be an escape variant? If the variant spreads around the world, then our vaccine may need to be adjusted.”
An “escape variant” is a virus version that is completely different from the original version, which can escape or evade the protection of the vaccine.
Citi analyst Andrew Baum pointed out that it may take more than 100 days for Pfizer and BioNTech to develop a new vaccine against the new variant virus Nu. Testing in the coming weeks will be critical to determine if Nu is more aggressive than Delta. Laboratory tests may conclude that BioNTech/Pfizer will have to remanufacture their vaccines.
Baum mentioned that Hong Kong people who had been injected with two doses of Pfizer vaccine were infected with the Nu variant and developed breakthrough infections. As governments continue to provide enhanced vaccines, people’s immunity to the new coronavirus vaccine continues to decline. This breakthrough case is worrying.
Before the deadline on Friday afternoon, Pfizer and other vaccine stocks rose sharply. Pfizer (PFE-US) rose 5.62% to a temporary price of $53.75 per share, and Modena (MRNA-US) surged 26.80% to a temporary price of $346.66 per share. . BioNTech (BNTX-US) soared 21.49%, temporarily reporting $370.14 per share.
