Novavax Starts Production Of Omicron Variant Special COVID Vaccine In January 2022

Ilustrasi laboratorium (Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Novavax Inc. said it would start commercial production of a COVID-19 vaccine developed specifically for the Omicron variant in January 2022.

The biotechnology company from the United States will also test whether its current vaccine product works effectively against the Omicron variant or not.

According to Novavax, as reported by Reuters via Antara, in the coming weeks laboratory data is expected to show whether antibodies from individuals who previously received Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine can neutralize the Omicron variant.

They also said they have started developing specific Omicron variant spike protein antigens and will begin laboratory tests of a new vaccine targeting that variant in the coming weeks.

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus has shaken world markets and caused global concern. Many fear that the new variant may be immune from current vaccine protection, which could prolong the global public health crisis.

Other vaccine makers, including Moderna and Pfizer, have also started making COVID-19 vaccines adapted to the Omicron variant. Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine was approved for emergency use in Indonesia in early November.