Pfizer and BioNTech report positive data in trial of omicron-targeting bivalent booster in individuals aged 18 and older

Pfizer Inc. PFE, +0.26% and German partner BioNTech SE BNTX, +5.53% said Thursday early data from a Phase 2/3 clinical trial of their omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapated bivalent booster showed positive results in treating individuals aged 18 and older. The data collected 7 days after administering a 30-ug booster dose showed a “substantial increase” in neutralizing antibodies. The data suggest that the bivalent booster provides better protection against BA.4 and BA.5, the dominant variants globally, than the original vaccine in younger and older adults. “While we expect more mature immune response data from the clinical trial of our Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine in the coming weeks, we are pleased to see encouraging responses just one week after vaccination in younger and older adults,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. “These early data suggest that our bivalent vaccine is anticipated to provide better protection against currently circulating variants than the original vaccine and potentially help to curb future surges in cases this winter.” The companies expect to provide additional data at 1-month post administration in the coming weeks. Pfizer shares rose 2.8% premarket, while BioNTech was up 1.1%.