US planning to start trials of special vaccine against omicron

The American biotechnology company Moderna is planning to begin clinical trials of a special vaccine against the new omicron coronavirus strain in early 2022, Report informs citing RIA Novosti.

In view of the speed at which the omicron is spreading and the strength of the already existing mRNA-1273 vaccine, the company said in a statement that the booster dose will serve as a "first line of defense" against the strain.

“Taking into account the long-term threat posed by the eluding omicron, Moderna will continue to develop a special vaccine variant (mRNA-1273.529) for this strain and hopes to begin clinical trials in early 2022,” the company said.