By Sam Boughedda
Investing.com - The UK has become the first country in the world to approve Moderna 's (NASDAQ:MRNA) Covid jab that targets the original strain of the virus and the Omicron strain.
It was given the go-ahead by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency after it met the regulator's safety, quality and effectiveness standards.
The jab would be considered another booster dose and is approved for people aged 18 and older. It contains part of the original coronavirus vaccine and part of the Omicron vaccine.
The decision from the MHRA is based on clinical trial data from a phase 2/3 trial, which met all primary endpoints.
"We are delighted with the MHRA's authorization of Spikevax Bivalent Original/Omicron, our next-generation COVID-19 vaccine. This represents the first authorization of an Omicron-containing bivalent vaccine," said Stephane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.
Moderna shares are up 2.5% Monday.
Earlier today, it was revealed that Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) CEO Albert Bourla had tested positive for Covid-19.