Spanish Covid-19 vaccine shows high efficacy against Omicron variants

The Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Spain's Hipra has shown a "high efficacy" against the new Omicron variants and is now entering third phase clinical trials.

Indeed, Hipra's head of research and development reportedly said the vaccine achieved better results against Omicron than Pfizer's booster shot.

On Tuesday, Spain's main drug regulator, the Spanish Medicines and Drugs Agency (AEMPS) approved the start of the last phase of clinical trials.

According to Spanish daily ABC, third phase trials typically last for at least one year, but the shot has shown very good results in terms of tolerability, safety and efficacy.

However, AEMPS reportedly said that preliminary data would be available sooner.

Indeed, the goal was for the vaccine to be available in the second quarter - possibly in May - with output 600m doses expected to be available in 2022 and potentially double that amount in 2023.

Three thousand volunteers will participate in the third phase trials, which will be conducted in Portugal, Italy and Spain.

The company reportedly said it was now time to know if the vaccine, which is known as PHH-1V, also works as a booster shot.