Moderna’s study shows the ineffectiveness of their shots against the Omicron and why they recommend a booster

Moderna scientists published a study Serum Neutralizing Activity of mRNA-1273 Against the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant: A Preliminary Report that came out yesterday as a preprint in medRxiv.

They took blood samples from participants in their phase 2 clinical study to assess whether neutralizing antibodies are present against the Omicron variant. Neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 block them from attaching to the ACE2 receptors of the human cells. If the virus cannot bind, it cannot enter and cause COVID-19.

The Moderna shot is based on the spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1, the first virus that caused COViD-19. The D614G mutation is the first notable mutation of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus that made it more infectious. According to Groves and his group, the D614G mutation made the virus more sensitive to neutralization [1].

Since 2021, the Wuhan type SARS-CoV-2 with the D614G mutation has been replaced by succeeding variants as time went by. Its successors are the Alpha, then the Beta, Gamma, Delta, and now the Omicron.

In the study, they compared the neutralizing antibodies against two SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The Wuhan type SARS-CoV-2 virus with the D614G mutation and the Omicron variant also called B.1.1.59.

Lack of neutralizing antibodies to Omicron

The result showed that one month after completing the two Moderna shots dosed at 100 micrograms (μg), the neutralizing antibodies were “below the lower limit of quantification.”

That means the neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant elicited by two shots of the Moderna jabs are undetectable.

The graphs below show the level of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against the first SARS-CoV-2 virus with D614G mutation and the Omicron variant. The dotted horizontal lines are the limit of detection. Neutralizing antibodies to the D614G are present, but the levels for the Omicron variant are too low to be detected.

Booster shot increases the antibodies

Then they tested what would happen if a booster shot with a 50 microgram μg dose was given. The results below show the increased levels of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron. Of course, the findings made the paper recommend a Moderna booster dose.

While that may be good, the question is, for how long? The neutralizing antibodies may wane after several months. Is risking the adverse reactions, including death, make a booster shot worthwhile in the Omicron variant that causes a mild COVID-19?

If your car mechanic tells you that he will put brake pads on your car, that is very good, but it can set your car on fire and only last for five months, and you can’t sue the manufacturer if that happens, would you allow him?

I will choose a brake pad that lasts for years.

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References:

Groves DC, Rowland-Jones SL, Angyal A. The D614G mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: Implications for viral infectivity, disease severity, and vaccine design. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021;538:104-107. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.109
Lee et al. Serum Neutralizing Activity of mRNA-1273 Against the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant: A Preliminary Report. medRxiv 2022.01.28.21268247; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.28.21268247

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