Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash

According to interim data from two early-stage trials, a COVID-19 booster shot from Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) sharply increased levels of antibodies.

A second dose of the J&J single-dose vaccine resulted in binding antibody levels nine times higher than the levels 28 days after receiving their first dose.

Unlike neutralizing antibodies, which destroy the virus, binding antibodies attach to the virus but do not destroy it or prevent infection. 

Instead, they alert the immune system of its presence so that white blood cells can be sent to destroy it.

The studies showed significant increases in binding antibody responses in participants aged 18-55 and those 65 years and older who received a lower booster dose.

The study summaries are being submitted to the preprint server MedRxiv in advance of peer review.

In July, J&J published interim Phase 1/2a data in the New England Journal of Medicine that showed neutralizing antibodies generated by its vaccine remained stable eight months after immunization with a single dose.

Price Action: JNJ shares are up 0.73% at $176.67 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.