Covaxin booster dose neutralises Omicron & Delta variants

New Delhi, Jan 12: Bharat Biotech said on Wednesday that Covaxin has the potential to neutralise SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron.
Sera samples from individuals who received a booster of Covaxin (BBV152) were observed to be effective in neutralising Omicron and Delta variants on a live virus neutralisation, the Hyderabad-based biotechnology company said.
More than 90% of all individuals boosted with Covaxin (BBV152) showed neutralising antibodies. All participants received an initial two-dose schedule of Covaxin at Day 0 and Day 28.
“As the dominant Covid-19 variant throughout the world, Omicron poses a serious public health concern,” said Mehul Suthar, assistant professor, Emory Vaccine Center and who led the laboratory analysis.
“Data from this preliminary analysis show individuals receiving a booster dose of COVAXIN have a significant immune response to both the Omicron and Delta variants. These findings suggest that a booster dose has the potential to reduce disease severity and hospitalisations,” Suthar added.
Dr Krishna Ella, CMD of Bharat Biotech, said, “We are in a continuous state of innovation and product development for Covaxin. The positive neutralisation responses against the Omicron and Delta variants validate.”