Modern scientists and executives presented their plans to combat the new variants of Covid-19 to investors last Thursday. And during the online event, they bluntly stated that new waves of epidemics are on the way.
"With the spread, the virus is rapidly mutating," said the company's chief scientific officer. Melissa Moore, during the videocall. "Some of these new viral strains appear to be more transmissible than the original strain… We already know that some of these new strains are less susceptible to neutralization by our current vaccine."
Constant updates
The company said it is testing its vaccine with new variants, and is "constantly" manufacturing and testing new versions of its vaccine. But he warned that the process is not instantaneous and that in the face of new waves the company's agility is limited by the complexity of the work.
"The shortest time from detecting a variant of concern to reading preclinical immunogenicity is approximately 2-3 months," he said. Guillaume Stewart-Jones, a researcher of the company.
And new viral variants are coming, constantly emerging in real time.
Guillaume Stewart-Jones, Modern
Vaccinal walkway
During the presentation, the company gave investors an overview of a number of its science programs. Needless to say, many revolved around mRNA engineering and the performance of the lipid nanoparticles that enclose the messenger RNA particles.
However, questions from analysts at the end of the event focused almost all on vaccines. It is a sign that a company that revolves around Covid-19 will remain modern for a while (hopefully not long!).
In summary, economically, new waves of the virus may not be necessary to maintain a good level.
Moderna's stock has grown 220% in the past 12 months - its leadership in mRNA-based therapies can go a long way.
