The Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which has been approved for single administration, generates an even greater immune response when given in two doses. This is confirmed by the first data from phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, for now published only in preprints and released by the company in a press release, according to which the recall generated a rapid and robust increase in antibodies, nine times higher than in 28 days after primary vaccination.
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“We have found that a single dose of our COVID-19 vaccine generates solid and robust immune responses that are long-lasting and persistent for eight months. With these data, we also see that a booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine further increases antibody responses among study participants who had previously received our vaccine, ”said Mathai Mammen, Global Head, Janssen Research & Development.
The second dose study
In anticipation of the potential need for boosters, the Company conducted a Phase 1 / 2a study and a Phase 2 study in individuals who had previously received its vaccine. The interim data from these studies show that a booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine generated a rapid and robust rise in antibodies, nine-fold greater than 28 days after the single-dose primary vaccination. Significant increases in antibody responses were seen in participants aged 18 to 55, and in those aged 65 and over who received a reduced booster dose.
“We look forward to meeting with public health officials to discuss a potential strategy for our Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, for a booster eight months or more after primary single-dose vaccination.” The company, the note reads, is in contact with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other health authorities regarding the administration of the vaccine.