Moderna says its Covid-19 vaccine booster produces better immune response

Moderna Inc said on Wednesday its Covid-19 vaccine booster that targets both the original coronavirus strain and omicron produced a better immune response against the variant than its original vaccine.

The booster raised virus-neutralising antibodies by eight-fold in a study. The vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with side effects comparable to a booster dose of mRNA-1273 at the 50 micrograms level.

"We are submitting our preliminary data and analysis to regulators with the hope that the omicron-containing bivalent booster will be available in the late summer," Chief Executive Stephane Bancel said in a statement.

Share of Moderna was up 2 per cent in premarket trading.