As federal officials wax poetic about the prospect of intranasal COVID-19 vaccines and other novel vaccine platforms, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and its partner BioNTech (Nasdaq:BNTX) have announced that a randomized Phase 2 study will study an incrementally improved COVID-19 vaccine known as BNT162b5.
The updated vaccine candidate includes a modified spike protein designed to bolster immunogenicity over the first-generation COVID-19 vaccine.
Pfizer notes that it plans on testing multiple vaccine candidates with the novel spike protein design to offer a more durable and broader immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated COVID-19.
The companies’ original BNT162b2 vaccine remains one of the most widely used worldwide. In 2021, the vaccine was the best-selling pharmaceutical product, generating $51.1 billion between Pfizer and BioNTech.
The bivalent BNT162b5 vaccine blends RNAs targeting the ancestral strain coronavirus and the omicron variant.
The FDA has recommended including omicron BA.4/5 component for future COVID-19 vaccine booster doses.
In its most recent Phase 2 study, Pfizer will evaluate BNT162b5 in approximately 200 participants between 18 and 55. Participants in the study will have received three prior doses of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 90 days before their first study visit.
The study will administer the vaccine booster candidate as a 30-microgram dose.
PFE shares were down 0.66% to $51.95.