Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines Being Updated to Target Eris Variant

COVID-19 Eris Vaccines Being Updated to Target Eris Variant

New York, NY (August 15, 2023) – Pfizer and Moderna are updating their COVID-19 vaccines to target the new Eris variant. The updated vaccines are expected to be available in the fall of 2023.

Introduction

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus’s ability to mutate and produce new variants remains a significant concern. One such variant that has recently garnered attention is the Eris variant. It has prompted vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna to take proactive steps in updating their vaccines. Hence ensuring continued protection against this evolving threat. In this article, we will explore the Eris variant, the reasons for updating the vaccines. Moreover, how experts are carrying out this process.

Understanding the Eris Variant

The Eris variant, like other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a product of the virus’s natural evolution. It was first identified in late 2022. Since it has been classified as a “variant of concern” by health authorities around the world. What sets Eris apart is its potential to evade immunity developed through previous infections or vaccinations. Therefore raising concerns about its ability to cause breakthrough infections.

One of the primary reasons for concern regarding the Eris variant is its collection of mutations in the spike protein of the virus. It is the target of most COVID-19 vaccines. These mutations may enable the virus to better evade the immune system’s defenses. Moreover it potentially reduces the effectiveness of existing vaccines. This highlights the need for vaccine manufacturers to adapt their products to stay ahead of emerging variants.

Why Update the Vaccines?

Vaccine manufacturers have been monitoring the situation closely and are continuously evaluating the need for booster shots and updated vaccines to combat emerging variants like Eris. The decision to update the vaccines is based on several factors:

  1. Efficacy: If the existing vaccines show a significant reduction in effectiveness against the Eris variant, it becomes imperative to update them to provide better protection.
  2. Public Health Concern: The potential for variants to cause more severe illness or increased transmission is a public health concern. Upgrading vaccines helps maintain control over the virus’s spread.
  3. Long-term Strategy: The goal is not only to respond to current variants but also to prepare for potential future variants. Developing a versatile vaccine platform allows for rapid adaptation as new variants emerge.

How Are Pfizer and Moderna Updating Their Vaccines?

Both Pfizer and Moderna have announced plans to update their COVID-19 vaccines to better target the Eris variant and any other potential variants that may arise. Here’s how they are going about it:

  1. Identifying Key Mutations: Researchers are closely studying the genetic makeup of the Eris variant to identify the specific mutations responsible for its immune evasion. This information guides the design of the updated vaccines.
  2. Adjusting the Vaccine Formula: Based on their findings, manufacturers can make adjustments to the vaccine formula to better match the spike protein of the Eris variant. This involves incorporating the relevant genetic information into the vaccine’s mRNA.
  3. Clinical Trials: Updated vaccine formulations must undergo clinical trials to assess their safety and effectiveness. These trials involve testing the new vaccines on human volunteers to ensure they elicit a strong immune response and provide protection against the Eris variant.
  4. Regulatory Approval: After successfully completing the clinical trials, experts will submit the updated vaccines for regulatory approval to ensure they meet safety and efficacy standards.

Promising Next-Generation Vaccines

In addition to Pfizer and Moderna’s efforts, a promising array of next-generation COVID-19 vaccines is in development, aiming to enhance protection against variants, improve durability, and thwart infection and transmission. Noteworthy candidates include:

  • Johnson & Johnson’s Nasal Spray Vaccine
  • CureVac’s Single-Dose Vaccine
  • Sanofi and GSK’s mRNA-Protein Subunit Combination Vaccine
  • Arcturus Therapeutics’ Dual Spike and Nucleocapsid Protein Vaccine

While their ultimate success remains uncertain, these next-generation vaccines offer hope for the future of COVID-19 immunization.

It is crucial to emphasize that individuals must maintain precautionary measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and frequent handwashing, until achieving herd immunity through vaccination, even with effective vaccines against Eris.

Challenges in Vaccine Uptake

Despite the increasing concerns surrounding the Eris variant and the availability of updated vaccines in the near future, experts anticipate challenges in convincing the public to embrace these new immunizations. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, acknowledges the weariness of the pandemic’s long duration, with many individuals exhausted from vaccination campaigns and ongoing safety measures like mask mandates.

Dr. Fauci stated, “People are tired of the pandemic.” “They’re tired of getting shots. They’re tired of wearing masks. And I think that’s going to make it difficult to get people to get the new vaccines.”

Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy

To address these challenges, experts believe that public health officials must work diligently to educate the public on the significance of the new vaccines and their critical role in protecting against the Eris variant and future variants. Simplifying the vaccination process and expanding access to vaccination sites, as well as ensuring that vaccines are available free of charge, are important steps in encouraging widespread vaccine uptake.

Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist at New York University, emphasized the need to make it as easy as possible for people to receive vaccines. “We need to have a lot of vaccination sites, and we need to make sure that the shots are free.”

While the road ahead may be challenging, it remains essential for public health officials to overcome these obstacles and persuade individuals to receive the new COVID vaccines. One cannot overstate the significance of these vaccines in safeguarding against emerging variants like Eris.

Conclusion

The emergence of the Eris variant serves as a stark reminder that the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. However, the rapid response of vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna to adapt their vaccines to target this variant demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of science in the face of evolving challenges. While these updates are a crucial step forward, it is equally important for individuals to continue practicing preventive measures, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, until a higher level of immunity is achieved through vaccination. The world remains united in its effort to conquer COVID-19 Eris vaccines and its variants, with science and innovation leading the way.