(Reuters) – British drug company AstraZeneca Plc told Reuters on Tuesday that its COVID-19 vaccine should be effective against the new coronavirus variant, adding that studies were underway to fully investigate the impact of the mutation.
“AZD1222 (AstraZeneca’s vaccine candidate) contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein, and the genetic code changes observed in this new viral strain do not resemble the structure of the spike protein change, ”an AstraZeneca representative said in an email.
Medicine makers are trying to test their COVID-19 vaccines against the new fast-spreading variant of the virus raging in Britain, the latest challenge in the breakneck race to curb the pandemic.
“Vaccination with AZD1222 trains the body’s immune system to recognize many different parts of the spike protein so that it can eliminate the virus if exposed later,” added the AstraZeneca representative.
The mutation known as the B.1.1.7 lineage can be up to 70% more contagious and more of a problem for children. It has created chaos in Britain, sparking a wave of travel bans disrupting trade with Europe and threatening to further isolate the island country.
The AstraZeneca-Oxford shot is considered vital for lower-income countries and countries with warm climates, as it is cheaper, easier to transport, and can be stored for longer periods at normal refrigerator temperatures.
Data from AstraZeneca’s late-stage studies in the UK and Brazil released earlier this month showed that the vaccine had an efficacy of 62% for subjects who received two full doses, but 90% for a smaller subgroup receiving a half and then received a full dose.
Reuters reported late Tuesday that India is likely to approve AstraZeneca’s vaccine for emergency use next week.
Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler and Matthew Lewis