Pfizer announced that a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine increases protection against the Delta variant by up to 11 times

The third dose of the Pfizer / BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine could “strongly” strengthen the protection against the delta variant of the coronavirus, as suggested by new data released Wednesday by the pharmaceutical company, which also announced that could apply for emergency use authorization for a booster injection from August.

Data published online suggests that Delta variant antibody levels in people aged 18 to 55 who receive a third dose of vaccine are more than five times higher only after a second dose of vaccine.

Between the people aged 65 to 85, Pfizer data suggests that Delta variant antibody levels after receiving a third dose of vaccine are 11 times higher only after a second dose.

There are “Estimated potential for up to 100-fold increase in Delta neutralization after the third dose compared to before the third dose”, wrote the Pfizer researchers.

The data also shows that Antibody levels are much higher after a third dose than a second dose against the original variant of the coronavirus and the beta variant, first identified in South Africa.

The data again they have not been peer reviewed or published in scientific journals.

The company also said that could apply for an emergency use authorization for a possible booster dose from August.

Until now, U.S. health officials have not approved a third vaccine for the general population, but authorities are investigating the need for a third vaccine in immunocompromised people.

Pfizer also stated that plans to test a new version of the vaccine to target the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the virus in August, with the first batch already manufactured.

United States bought 200 million additional doses of Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine last week to help with pediatric immunization, as well as possible booster injections, if necessary.

Income increases

Data on the third dose became known when the company announced that hopes to earn $ 33,500 million this year from the sale of 2,100 million doses of anti-covid vaccines worldwide.

This figure is very above the $ 26,000 million that the company announced in May it would enter this year. Pfizer has also raised its annual sales and profit outlook.

The forecast for increased vaccine sales is based on signed agreements, and the company could increase it by signing additional contracts.

The pharmaceutical company took an advantage in December with the first emergency clearance in the United States of a COVID-19 vaccine, and has since edged out rivals who have faced manufacturing hurdles.

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