BioNTech and Pfizer (PFE.N) said on Wednesday a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine was able to neutralize the new Omicron variant in a laboratory test, an early signal that booster shots could be key to protection against infection from the newly identified variant. The German and U.S. companies said two doses of their vaccine resulted in significantly lower neutralizing antibodies but could still be protective against severe disease. “The first line of defense, with two doses of vaccination, might be compromised and three doses of vaccination are required to restore protection,” BioNTech Chief Medical Officer Ozlem Tuereci said at a press conference. The companies also said they could deliver an upgraded vaccine targeted specifically at the Omicron variant in March 2022 if one is needed. BioNTech and Pfizer are the first manufacturers of a COVID vaccine to issue an official update on the efficacy […]