BioNTech says it will know in 2 weeks whether the COVID-19 vaccine it developed with Pfizer works against the new variant discovered in southern Africa

BioNTech says it's testing the COVID-19 vaccine it developed with Pfizer against the new variant that appears to have emerged in southern Africa, and will know in two weeks whether it works against the variant, the Financial Times first reported.

Scientists and health officials are closely tracking the B.1.1.529 variant detected in South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, and Israel.

The variant has 32 mutations in the part of the virus that attaches to human cells, called the spike protein — the target for existing vaccines and antibody treatments. This means there is a greater risk those vaccines and treatments won't be as effective against it, Insider previously reported.

"We understand the concern of experts and have immediately initiated investigations on variant B.1.1.529," BioNTech told Insider. "We expect more data from the laboratory tests in two weeks at the latest."

The company said that the variant "differs significantly from previously observed variants" as a result.

"Pfizer and BioNTech have taken actions months ago to be able to adapt the mRNA vaccine within six weeks and ship initial batches within 100 days in the event of an escape variant," the company said. ...