African variant covid, Pfizer awaits data on vaccine efficacy

Pfizer working to study the African variant and evaluate possible changes to the covid vaccine. “We understand the concern of the experts and have immediately initiated the investigation into variant B.1.1.529”, identified in particular in South Africa. “The variant differs greatly from the variants observed previously because it has additional localized mutations in the protein. Spike. We expect more data from the lab tests in two weeks at the latest,” says a Pfizer spokesperson on the French all news channel BfmTv. The incoming data, he explained, “will provide more information on whether B.1.1.529 may be a variant that escapes immunity and may require an adjustment of our vaccine if it spreads globally.” exposed Professor James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute of the University of Oxford. According to the biologist, the vaccines will “almost certainly” be less effective against the variant. ‘It’s bad news, but it’s not doomsday, “he says, noting that mutations in the variant suggest it could spread more rapidly. And thus” it will inevitably reach the UK. “