CNBC’s Meg Tirrell reports on new research from Johnson & Johnson supporting a booster to its Covid vaccine. For access to live and exclusive video from CNBC subscribe to CNBC PRO:
Johnson & Johnson said Wednesday a booster shot of its Covid-19 vaccine generated a promising immune response in early stage clinical trials – though the information provided by the company in a press release was light on some details.
J&J’s vaccine requires only one dose and recipients are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the shot. The company said Wednesday that J&J recipients who received a booster dose of the shot generated virus-fighting antibodies “nine-fold higher” than those seen four weeks after a single dose.
Increases in antibody responses were observed in vaccine trial participants between ages 18 and 55, the company said, and in those 65 years and older who received a lower dosage of the booster shot.
The results are based on two Phase 1/2 studies, according to the company.
“We have established that a single shot of our COVID-19 vaccine generates strong and robust immune responses that are durable and persistent through eight months,” Dr. Mathai Mammen, head of research and development at J&J’s Janssen vaccine arm, said in a statement.
“With these new data, we also see that a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine further increases antibody responses among study participants who had previously received our vaccine,” he added.
While the new data is promising, the company’s press release made no mention of the booster shots’ potential impact on the coronavirus delta variant or on safety.
When asked about data on delta, J&J referred CNBC to a report in July that showed a single dose of the vaccine generated a promising immune response to the variant.
It also raises questions about why J&J recipients need booster shots – especially after the July report showed that a single shot of its vaccine provides immunity that lasts at least eight months and appears to deliver adequate protection against the fast-spreading delta variant.
To be sure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said J&J recipients will probably need a booster dose but added it doesn’t have enough data right now to support a formal recommendation.
The company said Wednesday it is engaging with the Food and Drug Administration and other health authorities regarding booster shots.
The new data comes less than a week after J&J announced that Alex Gorsky was stepping down as CEO. Gorsky, 61, who was chairman and CEO for nine years, will become executive chairman.
» Subscribe to CNBC TV:
» Subscribe to CNBC:
» Subscribe to CNBC Classic:
Turn to CNBC TV for the latest stock market news and analysis. From market futures to live price updates CNBC is the leader in business news worldwide.
The News with Shepard Smith is CNBC’s daily news podcast providing deep, non-partisan coverage and perspective on the day’s most important stories. Available to listen by 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT daily beginning September 30:
Connect with CNBC News Online
Get the latest news:
Follow CNBC on LinkedIn:
Follow CNBC News on Facebook:
Follow CNBC News on Twitter:
Follow CNBC News on Instagram:
#CNBC
#CNBCTV
