BioNTech SE has said it has started work to develop a vaccine against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Omicron was first detected in South Africa.
In a statement, BioNTech, which makes vaccines together with Pfizer (PFE.N), said the development of an adapted vaccine is part of the company’s standard procedure for new variants.
RELATED STORY: Omicron variant: Here’s what we know so far
Omicron was first reported on November 24 in South Africa. The infections in the country have risen steeply.
The variant has since spread to more than a dozen countries, many of which have imposed travel restrictions to try to seal themselves off. (AW)
