August 26, 2021: -On Wednesday, Johnson & Johnson said that a booster shot of its Covid-19 vaccine generated a favorable immune response in early-stage clinical trials – through 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 dose. On Wednesday, the company said that J&J recipients who received a booster dose of the picture 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 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 did not mention the booster shots’ potential impact on the delta variant or safety.
When asked about data on the delta, J&J referred CNBC to a report in July that showed a single dose of the vaccine generated a favorable 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 picture of its vaccine provides immunity that lasts at least eight months and appears to provide 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 engages 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.
