Efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/01 (B.1.1.7): an exploratory analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Review of RCT (n=8,534) found laboratory virus neutralisation activity by vaccine-induced antibodies was lower against the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant. Vaccine efficacy against symptomatic positive infection was 70.4% for B.1.1.7 and 81.5% for non-B.1.1.7 lineages.
Source:
The Lancet
SPS commentary:
A commentary notes these early findings suggest a meaningful degree of efficacy against the B.1.1.7 variant, which is encouraging. However, additional data are clearly needed to fully appreciate the potential impact of this and other variants of concern on current and future vaccine efficacy, and to provide conclusive evidence that will inform important policy projections and decisions. The COV002 study is ongoing, the results of which are eagerly awaited.