Omicron variantbegan to spread all over the world. Firstly South AfricaThe most worrying feature of this new variant detected in , is that it has too many mutations compared to other variants, including delta and beta. of scientists B.1.1.529 This variant, which he called at least 10 mutations carrying.
After the announcement of the South African Ministry of Health, many countries took action quickly. Many countries, including Turkey, suspended sea, land and air transportation with South Africa within the framework of the measures. But before the measures variant Israel, South Korea and Europehad reached.
World on alert: New COVID-19 variant detected
The nightmare is endless! Scientists have detected a new variant of COVID-19. This time, the origin of the variant is South Africa.
BioNTech will produce vaccine for Omicron variant in 100 days
Pandemic hero pharmaceutical companies BioNTech, Pfizer and modern made statements. Ozlem Tureci and Ugur Sahin‘s company, BioNTech, announced that they will learn within two weeks whether the current coronavirus vaccine is effective against the new variant in question.
US-based pharmaceutical company modern if, Omicron variant announced that it will develop a supplementary dose for However, BioNTech also said they could produce a new vaccine. If the new COVID-19 variant escapes the antibodies of the current vaccine, BioNTeh within 100 days will produce a new vaccine.
As it is known, based in Germany BioNTechUS-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer developed the COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine provides over 95 percent protection against coronavirus. However The GuardianAccording to the news of Omicron variant has caused concern as it carries a large number of mutations and is rapidly transmitted.
Pharmaceutical companies try to act quickly
BioNTech emphasized that they are already wary of virus strains such as the Omicron variant. He stated that they have been doing new research for months, taking into account the variants that can escape the antibodies of existing vaccines. BioNTech releases mRNA vaccine within 6 weeks announced that it can adapt it to the new variant.
CEO of Moderna Stephane Bancel made a similar statement. Bancel said, “From the very beginning, We said it’s imperative that we be proactive as the virus evolves. in the Omicron variant mutations worrying. We’ve been moving as quickly as possible to address this variant for the past few days.” said. Also developing COVID-19 vaccines Johnson & Johnson and Oxford/AstraZeneca Other teams have started working on this issue as well.
Well, scientists Omicron variant Why are you worried about Because the variant has a very high number of mutations on the spike protein that current vaccines target. Human immune systems produce a variety of antibodies that target several different sites in the spike protein. Therefore, a vaccine is still effective even if a bit of the spike changes. However B.1.1.529In , almost all sites targeted by antibodies have changed. So it is possible to avoid vaccines.