German Biotechnology Company, BioNTech, which manufactures vaccines has commenced the development of a new Covid-19 vaccine that focuses on combating the Omicron variant.

The vaccine manufacturer, which collaborates with US giant, Pfizer on Covid-19 vaccines, is reported to have said that it had initiated the development of an adapted vaccine for Omicron to allow it to move forward quickly.
The vaccine is to serve as a precautionary measure while simultaneously carrying out investigation and research on the nature of the new Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.
Scientists and health officials around the world are closely tracking Omicron, or B.1.1.529, which was first detected in southern Africa. Public health experts say the new variant contains signs of being more transmissible or dangerous than other strains of the disease.
This was disclosed by the BioNTech spokesperson on Monday, November 29, when it said that to avoid wasting time, it was developing an updated vaccine as well as testing its existence shot pending when the data is available.
The BioNTech in its statement said, “We understand the concern of experts and have immediately initiated investigations on the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) as well as the development of an adapted vaccine as part of our standard procedure for new variants.
“The first steps of developing a potential new vaccine overlap with the research necessary in order to evaluate whether a new shot will be needed. The objective of this approach, which was initiated last Thursday, is to move forward quickly if a variant-specific vaccine is needed.
“We expect data from the laboratory tests in about two weeks. These data will provide more information about whether B.1.1.529 could be an escape variant that may require an adjustment of our vaccine if the variant spreads globally.”
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