Antibody levels are a good predictor for how effective Moderna Inc’s (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine is, according to a new study released on Tuesday, a finding which could help speed up future clinical trials for vaccines against the disease.
Regulators currently rely on large placebo-controlled studies to determine if a vaccine works, but the study, conducted by scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Moderna and elsewhere, showed that measuring the antibody levels in vaccine recipients could also determine effectiveness as per a report by Reuters.
The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, found that the Moderna vaccine was more effective in vaccine recipients with high levels of antibodies. These recipients also reported a lower rate of breakthrough infections after being vaccinated.
The study was conducted using data from Moderna’s 30,000-participant clinical trial, which started last year and was the basis for the vaccine’s authorization.
Finding a surrogate measure of efficacy should speed regulators’ decisions on vaccine approval even without large placebo-controlled studies, which could be impracticable to carry out if vaccines become widely available, said Peter Gilbert, a researcher at Fred Hutchinson and an author of the study.
Combined with data about the Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech and AstraZeneca (AZN.L) vaccines, Gilbert said there has been a “consistent accumulation of evidence” showing that antibodies can be used as an alternate marker for vaccine efficacy.
Explore the profound effects of excessive screen time on your child’s behavior and development. Discover…
Discover how simple daily changes in your diet and lifestyle can significantly improve your heart…
This article explores the common misconception that brain tumours primarily affect older adults, revealing the…
The first-ever ovarian cancer vaccine is poised to change the landscape of women's health by…
As dengue and chikungunya cases rise in Delhi during the monsoon season, understanding prevention strategies…
Skincare is a significant concern for women (and increasingly, men), with the quest for perfect,…