Moderna Inc. MRNA on Wednesday released clinical trial data indicating that its updated COVID-19 vaccination is effective against the BA.2.86 Pirola variant, which is being closely monitored by researchers due to concerns that it could more easily break through existing immunity. The new shot showed an 8.7 to 11-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies against BA.2.86 and other circulating variants, including the EG.5 Eris variant and FL.1.5.1, Moderna said in a release. BA.2.86 has a number of additional mutations compared with previous Omicron variants, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to warn…
