Study finds Omicron evades vaccines, antibody therapies

Says new variant is resistant to current antibody therapies, highlights need for new vaccines and treatments that anticipate how SARS-CoV-2 virus may evolve

Omicron can evade the immune protection conferred by Covid-19 vaccines and natural infection, according to a peer-reviewed study which also suggests that the new variant of coronavirus is completely resistant to antibody therapies in use today. The study, published in the journal Nature on Thursday, also highlights the need for new vaccines and treatments that anticipate how the SARS-CoV-2 virus may soon evolve.

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The researchers from Columbia University in the US and the University of Hong Kong noted that a striking feature of Omicron is the alarming number of changes in the variant’s spike protein that could pose a threat to the effectiveness of current vaccines and therapeutic antibodies.

The study tested the ability of antibodies generated by vaccination to neutralise Omicron in laboratory tests that pitted antibodies against live viruses and pseudoviruses constructed in the lab. The researchers found that the antibodies from people double-vaccinated with Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines were significantly less effective at neutralising Omicron compared to the original virus. Antibodies from previously infected individuals were even less likely to neutralise Omicron, they said.

But people who received a booster shot of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are likely to be better protected, although their antibodies exhibited diminished neutralising activity against Omicron. “The new results suggest that previously infected individuals and fully vaccinated individuals are at risk for infection with Omicron variant,” said David Ho, professor at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

“Even a third booster shot may not adequately protect against Omicron infection, but of course, it is advisable to get one, as you will still benefit from some immunity,” Ho added. The study also suggests monoclonal antibody therapies in use and most in development are less effective against Omicron. “It is not too far-fetched to think SARS-CoV-2 is now only a mutation or two away from being completely resistant to current antibodies, either monoclonal antibodies used as therapies or antibodies generated by vaccination or infection with previous variants,” Ho said.

‘Booster protection fades within 10 weeks’

A new study by the UK Health Security Agency shows  protection wanes even after taking the third dose of a vaccine in 10 weeks. Scientists noted protection against Omicron appears to wane more rapidly than Delta in people who are boosted. They found 15 to 25 % reduction after 10 weeks

Johnson evokes Christ for boosters

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday in his message for Christmas said a booster jab would be a “wonderful” X’Mas gift and linked it to the teachings of Jesus Christ. “...I hope I can be forgiven for taking pride in the immense spirit of neighbourliness that the people of this country have shown. Getting jabbed not just for themselves, for ourselves, but for friends and family and everyone we meet. And that, after all, is the teaching of Jesus Christ, whose birth is at the heart of this enormous festival – that we should love our neighbours as we love ourselves,” he said.

8,22,278
No. of new cases reported globally in the past 24 hours

27,64,36,619
Total no. of cases worldwide

53,74,744
Total no. of deaths worldwide

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