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Vaccine stocks diverged on Tuesday after ModernThe Covid vaccine (mRNA) produced double the number of antibodies as that of the jointly developed vaccine Pfizer (PFE) – BioNTech (BNTX) shot in a new study.
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The study compared antibody levels in 1,647 healthcare workers in Belgium before and after vaccination against Covid. Antibodies are a key part of the immune system. They recognize a virus and attach itself to it, rendering it ineffective. In all age groups, previously infected or not, Moderna vaccine generated more antibodies than Pfizer-BioNTech injections.
In response, Moderna stock rose 1.6% to 376.69 in today’s stock market. Shares of other BioNTech vaccine stocks fell 4.6% to 329.19. Pfizer stock fell 1.5% to 46.08.
Researchers measure antibody levels on a scale of units per milliliter of blood. In Moderna vaccine recipients, antibody levels averaged 3,836 units per milliliter. This was more than double the antibody levels in the Pfizer / BioNTech recipients – 1,444 units per milliliter.
Vaccine stocks show signs of peaking
In both groups, previously infected people had higher antibody responses than uninfected people after vaccination.
Antibody levels also decreased with age. Among uninfected people, the highest antibody responses were seen in people younger than 35 years old. Either way, Moderna recipients generated higher antibodies – a bullish note for this vaccine stock.
The study authors suggested that the higher level of messenger RNA (mRNA) in Moderna’s vaccine, as well as the longer interval between doses, might explain the antibody responses. Moderna hits are given four weeks apart compared to three weeks for Pfizer / BioNTech jabs.
All three vaccine stocks have skyrocketed in 2021 thanks to enthusiasm for their Covid vaccines. Over the past few weeks, the stock trio have pulled back slightly as they begin to show signs of peaking.
Risky approach for boosters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory committee on immunization practices also met on Monday. Panelists voted unanimously to support the use of the now fully approved Covid vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech in people aged 16 and older.
But the expert committee refrained from making a recommendation on booster injections. The White House Covid task force has announced a plan to begin booster injections for all messenger RNA vaccine recipients from September 20. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have yet to approve this plan. Previously, they had accepted third injections in some immunocompromised people.
Moderna and BioNTech vaccine stocks fell on Monday during this meeting.
According to a presentation by the CDC, booster injections should be given as a priority to people at risk of developing into severe Covid. This includes adults 65 years of age and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers.
The CDC also noted that its top priority remained “continuous vaccination of unvaccinated people.”
Follow Allison Gatlin on Twitter at @IBD_AGatlin.
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