Korea Pfizer Pharmaceutical announced on the 4th that its COVID-19 vaccine "Comirnaty LP.8.1 pre-filled syringe" targeting the LP.8.1 variant received official approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on the 29th of last month.
The vaccine approved this time is indicated for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals aged 12 and older. It is administered as a single dose via intramuscular injection. If prior COVID-19 vaccines have been received, it should be administered at least 3 months after the most recent dose.
The LP.8.1 variant is a subvariant of the JN.1 lineage. The LP.8.1 variant was designated as a variant under monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in January of this year, and the WHO, European Medicines Agency (EMA), and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recommended the use of vaccines against this strain.
Song Chan-woo, vice president of the primary care division at Korea Pfizer Pharmaceutical, said, "We will continue to work closely with the government to ensure a stable supply of vaccines to contribute to protecting high-risk groups from COVID-19 and improving public health."