(Reuters) – British pharmacist AstraZeneca Plc told Reuters on Tuesday that the COVID-19 vaccine should be effective against the new variant of the coronavirus, adding that studies are underway to fully investigate the impact of the mutation.
“AZD1222 (AstraZeneca vaccine candidate) contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus ear protein, and the changes in the genetic code seen in this new viral strain do not appear to change the structure of the ear protein.” , an AstraZeneca told the representative in an email.
Drug manufacturers are debuting to test their vaccines against COVID-19 against the new variant of the rapid spread of the virus that is sweeping Britain, the latest challenge of the dizzying race to curb the pandemic.
“Through vaccination with AZD1222, the body’s immune system is trained to recognize many different parts of the ear protein, so that it can eliminate the virus if it is subsequently exposed,” the AstraZeneca representative added.
The mutation known as lineage B.1.1.7 can be up to 70% more infectious and may be of more concern to children. It has sown chaos in Britain, causing a wave of travel bans that are disrupting trade with Europe and threatening to further isolate the island country.
The AstraZeneca-Oxford feature is considered vital for lower-income countries and for those in warm climates because it is cheaper, easier to transport, and can be stored for long periods at normal refrigerator temperatures.
Data from AstraZeneca trials in the United Kingdom and Brazil published earlier this month showed that the vaccine was 62% effective for participants in the full-dose trial, but 90% for a subgroup. smaller with a half and then a full dose.
Reuters reported on Tuesday afternoon that India is likely to approve AstraZeneca’s vaccine for emergency use next week.
Reports from Kanishka Singh to Bengaluru; Edited by Leslie Adler and Matthew Lewis