In a predictable turn of events, Pfizer CEO Alex Bourla now suggests that governments around the world could approve a fourth dose of experimental mRNA vaccines in response to the non-deadly Omicron variant.
Pfizer cites preliminary research that shows the new variant undermines protective antibodies generated by the vaccine the company developed with BioNTech.
Pfizer and BioNTech discovered the effectiveness of two COVID-19 shots fell significantly against the new variant. Nonetheless, they claim that a third jab increased people’s resilience to contracting Omicron.
Despite the news, both companies said a two-dose series still offers protection against severe outcomes from the variant.
Bourla noted Wednesday that the findings of the preliminary study used a synthetic, lab-created copy of the variant, adding they require more data from tests against the actual virus. The Pfizer CEO said to expect greater accuracy as “real-world results” emerge over the coming weeks.
“When we see real-world data, [it] will determine if the third dose well covers the omicron and for how long,” he said, “and the second point, I think we will need a fourth dose.”
Bourla, who previously projected the need for a fourth shot a year after administering third doses, added the need for continued patience, citing the availability of “very little information” from the preliminary study at this time.
Again, despite having “very little information,” he maintains the need for more and more booster shots of a vaccine that is well-known to cause myocarditis.
The Pfizer CEO said efforts should prioritize rolling out third doses for the winter. “A third dose will give very good protection, I believe,” he said.
In addition to recommending further shots, Pfizer submitted its application to the Food and Drug Administration last month for emergency authorization of its oral antiviral pill Paxlovid.
US Public health officials expressed concern over the potential for a spike in COVID-19 infections as people gather more indoors to escape the cold. Bourla claims the pill will mitigate COVID-19 during the winter and ensure the health care system does not get overrun.
According to interim data last month, Pfizer expects the pill to demonstrate an 89 percent reduction in hospitalization and death but says to expect full results on its effectiveness in the coming days.
Bourla said he’s confident the Pfizer pill will effectively combat omicron, citing the medical treatment targets an enzyme used for replication that is not as susceptible to mutations. In contrast, vaccines target the spike protein that the virus uses to invade human cells but repeatedly mutate throughout the pandemic.
As a potential stop gate to the vaccine, the Pfizer CEO said the company has already shipped pills to the US in anticipation of FDA approval for emergency use. President Joe Biden confirmed the US purchased 10 million courses with distribution slated to commence in December.
Both Pfizer and BioNTech project the development of a more effective vaccine specifically targeting omicron by March 2022 if necessary. Bourla anticipates new variants will continue to emerge in the future.
As of December 6, the World Health Organization recorded zero deaths globally from the Omicron variant.
