- Positive readout for combined vaccine
- First-ever positive results from late-stage trial
- Moderna is developing non-Covid vaccines
US biotechnology firm Moderna (MRNA:NASDAQ), best known for its Covid-19 vaccine based on its unique mRNA technology, said its combined flu and Covid-19 drug provoked a higher immune response than separate single jabs in late-stage clinical trials.
The shares gained 2% in pre-market trading and have more than doubled since the middle of December 2023 driven by a string of positive news from its pipeline of new drugs.
It is the first time final phase-three data has been released by a company developing a combined vaccine. Other companies in the race include French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi (SAN:EPA) and US biotechnology company Novavax (NVAX) which announced (10 May) a co-exclusive marketing agreement to develop novel combined vaccines.
Should Moderna’s drug gain approval it could be available in the UK as it is rolled-out to the NHS. Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine for Covid-19 is being used as part of the NHS booster programmes alongside Pfizer’s (PFE:NYSE) Comirnaty.
IMPROVED CONVENIENCE AND COMPLIANCE
Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel said: ‘Combination vaccines have the potential to reduce the burden of respiratory viruses on health systems and pharmacies, as well as offer people more convenient vaccination options that could improve compliance and provide stronger protection from seasonal illnesses.
‘Moderna is the only company with a positive phase three flu and Covid combination vaccine.’
Data from the trial comprising around 4,000 patients showed m-RNA 1083 met its goals and led to higher immune responses against flu and Covid-19 than two other single vaccines including Spikevax.
The trial targeted a group over the age of 65 for the flu vaccine and a group aged between 50 and 64 for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Moderna has been building out a portfolio of vaccines based on the mRNA technology behind its successful Covid-19 vaccine to combat falling sales as the disease becomes a seasonal affliction.
In May, Moderna received US approval for its RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to protect adults aged 60 and over. The virus causes cold-like symptoms and is a leading cause of pneumonia in babies and older adults, leading to 177,000 hospitalisations and 14,000 deaths in the US annually.
In February, the company’s m-RNA skin cancer vaccine being developed in collaboration with Merck (MRK:NYSE) was given breakthrough therapy designation by the regulator. This approval is designed to accelerate the development and review of potential new medicines for serious conditions that address an unmet need.
