Vaccine developer Novavax (Nasdaq:NVAX) has begun a Phase 2 study of its COVID-19-influenza combination (CIC) shot as well as an influenza-only vaccine candidate.
Rivals Moderna (Nasdaq:MRNA) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)/BioNTech (Nasdaq:BNTX) have made similar moves.
Moderna has a slew of flu vaccine candidates in its pipeline, including MRNA-1010, which is the subject of a Phase 3 study. mRNA-1010 and mRNA-1020 are in Phase 2 trials. Two others are in preclinical development. Moderna also has a combination COVID/flu vaccine candidate known as mRNA-1230 that is the subject of a Phase 1 study.
When Moderna announced positive interim data from a Phase 1 study of mRNA-1010 in late 2021, that data disappointed investors.
Pfizer’s PF-07845104 prophylactic saRNA vaccine is the subject of a Phase 1 trial, while PF-07252220 is in a Phase 3 study.
Novavax’s dose-confirming study will test the immunogenicity of various formulations of the CIC and influenza vaccine candidates in adults between the ages of 50 and 80.
The company expects results from the study to be available from the randomized study in the middle of 2023.
Novavax’s protein-based NVX-CoV2373 vaccine candidate is based on the genetic sequence of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.
The company’s shares were up almost 6% to $10.28 after announcing the news.
Gaithersburg, Maryland–based Novavax had won $1.75 billion in federal funding to commercialize NVX-CoV2373. The company, however, struggled to gain traction for the NVX-CoV2373 COVID-19 vaccine, which won belated U.S. authorization in July. That authorization covered its use for primary vaccination rather than as a booster. On July 13, its shares were trading at close to $70 per share.
According to a preprint, NVX-CoV2373 offers potent protection against omicron sublineages.
Earlier in December, Novavax said it had reduced its vaccine supply to the UK and was seeking equity and debt financing.