Moderna Inc, on Wednesday, reported that its experimental Covid-19 vaccine has been successful in generating similar immune responses in both older and younger people.
The recent study is based on the vaccine’s early Phase I trial data, in which researchers have analysed the performance of the vaccine in older adults.
According to the Moderna, “The immune responses in those aged between ages 56 and 70, above age 70 and those 18 to 55-years-old were similar”.
Generally, immune systems of older people do not respond as strongly to vaccines like that of younger people. So, the recent study based on the Moderna Vaccine trial is very significant. Post the press release of Moderna Inc where it reported the findings of the new study, its shares in the market surged by about 6 per cent. This year, shares of Moderna have jumped to more than triple in value.
Moderna developed ‘mRNA-1273’ vaccine has already entered late-stage human trials to test its potential to provide safe immunity against COVID-19 infection. Over 13,000 people will participate in the trail.
Moderna’s mRNA-1273 Vaccine will require a temperature of minus 20 degrees Celsius for shipping purpose and it can last for up to six months under this temperature. The vaccine can also last for up to 10 days if it is kept at regular refrigeration temperatures. Moderna said, “The vaccine will be distributed in 10-dose vials with no preservatives”.
The company is also preparing to make the vaccine stable at higher temperatures. Moderna has signed a $1.5 billion worth of supply deal with the U.S and the country’s government has provided nearly $1 billion worth of funds to the company under its Operation Warp Speed program.
According to Dr Jacqueline Miller, Moderna’s head of infectious disease development, “The demographic makeup of Moderna’s trial is a frequent topic at meetings with U.S. officials heading the White House program aimed at accelerating the development of Covid-19 vaccines and treatments”.