Moderna has announced its combined flu and Covid vaccine has generated strong immunogenicity in early-stage trials.
Interim results from its phase 1/2 studies found the vaccine (mRNA-1083) generated antibody levels similar to or greater than flu vaccines as well as similar results to the standalone Moderna Covid jab.
The company plans to start a phase 3 trial of the combined vaccine in adults over the age of 50 later this year, a statement said.
They will be aiming for regulatory approval in 2025, a spokesperson added.
The early tests suggested the vaccine appeared effective against A and B strains of flu when compared with widely used flu vaccines produced by Sanofi and GSK.
It was also found to be safe and tolerated with rates of adverse effects similar to those that had been reported with the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.
Stéphane Bancel, chief executive officer at Moderna said: ‘Flu and Covid-19 represent a significant seasonal burden for individuals, providers, healthcare systems and economies.
‘Combination vaccines offer an important opportunity to improve consumer and provider experience, increase compliance with public health recommendations, and deliver value for healthcare systems.
‘We are excited to move combination respiratory vaccines into phase 3 development and look forward to partnering with public health officials to address the significant seasonal threat posed to people by these viruses.’
The ongoing phase 1/2 clinical trial is a randomised, observer blind study evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of mRNA-1083 compared to a standard dose influenza vaccine (Fluarix) in adults 50-64 years of age and against an enhanced influenza vaccine (Fluzone HD) in adults 65-79 years of age. For both age groups, mRNA-1083 was compared against Spikevax booster.
Other companies are also in the process of developing combined flu and Covid-19 vaccines including Pfizer/BioNTech and Novavax.
A version of this article was originally published by our sister publication Pulse.
