Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine effective against mutation in new coronavirus strains, study finds
- The research indicated the vaccine was effective in neutralising virus with the so-called N501Y mutation of the spike protein
- Scientists said the results would help calm concerns that people will not be protected by vaccines being given to millions around the world
The study by Pfizer and scientists from the University of Texas Medical Branch, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, indicated the vaccine was effective in neutralising virus with the so-called N501Y mutation of the spike protein.
The mutation could be responsible for greater transmissibility and there had been concern it could also make the virus escape antibody neutralisation elicited by the vaccine, said Phil Dormitzer, one of Pfizer’s top viral vaccine scientists.
The first results of tests on the variants offer a glimmer of hope while more studies are carried out as Britain and other countries try to tame the more infectious strains which authorities believe are driving a surge in infections that could overwhelm health care systems.
The Pfizer-BioNTech study was conducted on blood taken from people who had been given the vaccine. Its findings are limited because it does not look at the full set of mutations found in either of the new variants of the rapidly spreading virus.