The question “Will coronavirus vaccines work against new coronavirus mutant?” has been raised in recent days across the World after the emergence of a new coronavirus strain in the UK.
“WE DON’T CONSIDER MUTATION AS A PROBLEM”
Founder of German biotechnology company BioNTech Ugur Sahin answered this question speaking to Anadolu Agency Video News (AAVN) during a video call via zoom on Monday evening.
Sahin said that they believe that his company’s coronavirus vaccine co-developed with Pfizer will be effective against the mutant virus. “We are not anxious that our vaccine will not work,” said Sahin.
He said “This not the first mutated virus. There have been various mutations before. We’ve checked all of those past mutations and we don’t consider it as a problem.” Sahin said there is not much information about the new variant of coronavirus which is said to be more infectious as no scientific file has been published on the subject yet.
Sahin emphasized that one percent of the genetic code of the virus has changed but 99 percent remains the same. “99 percent of the vaccine is enough for effectiveness. Because our vaccine is effective in a wide variety of positions,” he added.
The BioNTech Chief Executive said his company will investigate the UK mutation in the coming days. The coronavirus strain has caused coronavirus cases to rise in the UK, forcing the British government to impose the toughest measures in some parts of the country.