On Jul. 19, 2022, Yale scientists announced they had developed a novel Omicron-specific mRNA vaccine that offers superior immune protection against two viral subvariants than standard mRNA vaccines.

The new vaccine, called Omnivax, increased neutralizing antibody response against the BA.1 and BA.2.12.1 Omicron subvariants in pre-immunized mice 19-fold and eight-fold, respectively, compared with standard mRNA vaccines. The improved response against the BA.1 subvariant was reported Jun. 6 in the journal Nature Communications. The results of the study involving the BA.2 subvariant were published Jul. 19 in the journal Cell Discovery.