Massachusetts-based Moderna announced that preliminary data shows the authorized booster shot of the company's COVID-19 vaccine is effective at increasing antibody levels against the omicron variant.In a statement posted early Monday morning, the company said its authorized 50 µg booster dose increased "neutralizing antibody levels against omicron approximately 37-fold compared to pre-boost levels."Moderna, which is headquartered in Cambridge and which has a production facility in Norwood, said it also studied a 100 µg booster dose. The company said that dose caused an 83-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies."The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.Moderna's statement said the data reported Monday is based on 20 recipients of each size booster dose. "The company will continue to assess the breadth and durability of neutralizing antibodies from the multivalent booster candidates in the months ahead."Meanwhile, Moderna officials also said they will continue to develop a booster dose specifically to battle the omicron variant. The company has said it has enough capacity to produce the current vaccine and develop a future version simultaneously. Moderna said it expects the omicron-specific booster to advance to clinical trials in early 2022.