A three-dose course of AstraZeneca's (AZN.L) COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the rapidly-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant, the pharmaceutical company said on Thursday, citing data from an Oxford University lab study.
According to a report in Reuters, AstraZeneca cited data from an Oxford University lab study, saying the antibody levels against Omicron after the booster shot were higher than antibodies in people who had been infected with and recovered naturally from Covid-19.
The study on AstraZeneca's vaccine, Vaxzevria, showed that after a three-dose course of the vaccine, neutralising levels against Omicron were broadly similar to those against the virus's Delta variant after two doses.
Serum Institute of India (SII) produces Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as Covishield.
The Oxford University lab study is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
AstraZeneca also said that the researchers behind the Oxford study were independent from those who worked on Vaxzevria.
The drugmaker said researchers at Oxford University who carried out the study were independent from those who worked on the vaccine, Vaxzevria, with AstraZeneca.
