Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine also effective against latest mutation

A study by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX) found their COVID-19 vaccine to be effective against a mutation in highly communicable new coronavirus variants discovered in South Africa and the UK. Scientists from the company and the University of Texas Medical Branch conducted the research. The results showed that people who received the vaccine produced antibodies that were effective in neutralizing a key mutation in two highly contagious variants of the coronavirus. The vaccine neutralized the N501Y mutation in the spike protein in the vaccinated individuals. For the in vitro study, blood from people who had received the vaccine was used. The results were published on Thursday on the preprint server bioRXlv and have yet to be assessed. The N501Y mutation is responsible for its transmissibility, although there are concerns that it may allow the virus to evade antibody neutralization by the vaccine. However, research is limited as it has not addressed all of the mutations found in the new strains of the fast-spreading virus. However, the researchers were delighted with the vaccine's effectiveness against the N501Y mutation, as well as against 16 other previously tested mutations. Virus vaccine scientist at Pfizer Philip Dormitzer said they tested 16 different mutations and none of them had any significant effect against their vaccines, which is good news. However, that doesn't mean the 17th won't occur. Dormitzer said the new mutation, called E484K, found in South Africa is equally worrying. The researchers will conduct more tests in the coming weeks to see if the vaccine is effective against the mutations in the South African and British tribes.