Moderna’s Combo COVID-Flu Vaccine Promising in Trials

Moderna recently announced promising results from its late-stage trial of a combination COVID-19 and flu vaccine. The study revealed that the combination shot triggers a more robust immune response against both viruses compared to currently licensed vaccines.

The combined vaccine, comprised of elements from Moderna’s experimental flu and COVID-19 shots, showed significant efficacy in two groups of approximately 4,000 adults. One group, aged 65 and older, and the other, aged between 50 and 64, received the combination vaccine. Blood tests confirmed that this combined approach generated notably higher immune responses against various influenza strains and the SARS-CoV-2 virus after just a single dose.

In the trial, Moderna compared its candidate, mRNA-1083, with its licensed COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, and Sanofi Pasteur’s flu shot, Fluzone HD, in the older age group. In the younger group, the combination shot was evaluated against Spikevax and GSK’s Fluarix.

The company reported that the combination vaccine had a similar side effect profile to the licensed vaccines, with common side effects including injection site pain, fatigue, and headache. Moderna plans to present the trial data at an upcoming medical conference and submit it for publication. It also intends to engage with regulators to determine the next steps for the program.

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized the potential of combination vaccines in combating respiratory illnesses, noting that they could reduce the healthcare system’s burden posed by annual vaccinations. Bancel highlighted that Moderna is the only company with a positive Phase 3 trial for a flu and COVID combination vaccine.

The ongoing Phase 3 trial may lead to additional insights, and Moderna’s overall findings could evolve as the trial progresses. This combination vaccine, along with individual vaccines for each infection, is part of Moderna’s strategy to expand its product pipeline using mRNA technology. The company aims to offer more convenient vaccination options that provide stronger protection from seasonal illnesses.

While Moderna has profited significantly from its COVID-19 vaccines, questions about its future have arisen as demand wanes and new competitors enter the market. Moderna is also exploring mRNA technology for personalized cancer treatments, among other applications, partnering with Merck to develop treatments for melanoma.

It remains unclear how effective Moderna’s combination vaccine is against the JN.1 variants of COVID-19, as this data was not mentioned in the release. Moderna recently applied to update Spikevax to target the JN.1 lineage, indicating a potential future update for its combination vaccine if approved.