Three-dose treatment of AstraZeneca’sAccording to Covid-19, vaccine against rapidly spreading Omicron variant is effective, according to the pharmaceutical company. This was based on data from an Oxford University laboratory study.

The study’s findings, which are yet to appear in a peer reviewed medical journal, matches those of rivals Pfizer–BioNTech ModernaThe omicron has also been proven to be resistant by the third shot they received.

AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria vaccine showed that, after a course of three doses, the neutralizing levels for omicron were nearly identical to the ones against the delta variant of the virus.

According to the London-listed company, researchers from Oxford University carried out the study independently of those working on AstraZeneca’s vaccine.

“As we better understand omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalizations,” said Mene Pangalos, the head of AstraZeneca’s biopharmaceuticals R&D, referring to a critical component of the immune system that responds to fight infection.

Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticalmaker, added that antibodies to omicron were found in booster shots higher than in individuals who have been naturally infected and recovered from coronavirus.

Although initial data are encouraging for AstraZeneca, the company said Tuesday it was working closely with Oxford University in order to create a vaccine that is specific for the omicron. It joins other vaccine-makers who have made similar statements.

This Oxford study examined blood samples taken from people infected by Covid-19. It also included those who had been vaccinated with boosters or two doses, as well as those that were previously infected. The study included 41 samples of people who received three Vaxzevria doses.

Researchers and governments are trying to boost defenses against the omicron variant with shots or therapies. The threat is growing globally, and this has brought renewed attention to the need to limit infections ahead of holidays.

After finding that boosters significantly increased protection against mild omicron-related disease, the U.K. backed them earlier in this month. This was partly to reverse a steep decline in vaccination effectiveness.