Benzinga | Feb 25, 2021 05:42AM EST

Moderna To Test New COVID-19 Vaccine Targeting South Africa Strain

* Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA) is experimenting with several potential methods of combating the new COVID-19 virus strain, including: The South Africa variant-specific booster candidate at the 50 ?g dose level and lower. An additional booster shot combining the South Africa-specific vaccine and its existing vaccine in a single vaccine at the 50 ?g dose level and lower. The third dose of its existing authorized vaccine, as a booster at the 50 ?g dose level. Dosing has already begun. Evaluate both the combined vaccine and the South Africa-specific as an initial shot for people who haven't yet been vaccinated, at the 100 ?g dose level and lower.

* The company completed manufacturing raw material for a booster shot of its COVID-19 vaccine modified to target the South Africa strain, also known as B.1.351.

* The latest jab, code-named mRNA-1273.351, has been shipped to the US National Institutes of Health for additional study.

* Phase 1 trial will be led and funded by the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

* In parallel, the company will be conducting its own clinical studies to support regulatory filings for any booster vaccine or updated primary vaccine.

* Price Action: MRNA is up 4.46% at $151.25 in premarket trading on the last check Thursday.