By Tomi Kilgore
MRNA-1283 showed greater immunity than its Spikevax vaccine against Omicron and the original strains of COVID
Moderna Inc. announced Tuesday that its next-generation COVID vaccine produced better immunological results in a late-stage trial than its previous vaccines, and will be a key part of its flu and COVID-19 combination therapy.
The biotechnology company (MRNA) said mRNA-1283 met the primary endpoints of a Phase 3 trial as it demonstrated an enhanced immune response against Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and the parent virus strains of COVID-19, compared to its Spikevax and mRNA-1273.222 vaccines.
"mRNA-1283 is a critical component of our combination flu and COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1083, and this milestone gives us confidence in our ability to bring this much-needed vaccine to market," said the CEO, Stรฉphane Bancel.
Moderna shares rose 1.1% in premarket trading, putting them on track for a fourth consecutive gain.
The company said the enhanced immune response from mRNA-1283 was significantly more acute in trial participants who were over 65 years of age, which is the age population most at risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
The most common side effect of the vaccine was pain at the injection site, while the most common adverse side effects included headaches, fatigue, muscle pain and chills.
The stock is up 11% year to date through Monday, while the S&P 500 has gained 9.4%.
-Tommy Kilgore
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03-26-24 0832ET
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