Moderna, based in Cambridge, is making strides towards offering a combination vaccine that could protect against both COVID-19 and influenza. Recent feedback from U.S. regulators indicated that the company must provide efficacy data for its flu vaccine, leading to a delay in the potential approval of this combination shot until next year.
In its latest trial, Moderna reported that its experimental flu vaccine demonstrated an efficacy rate that was 27 percent higher than that of a licensed influenza vaccine for adults aged 50 and older. This study involved over 40,000 participants across 11 countries, showcasing a significant step forward in vaccine development.
As part of its broader strategy, Moderna aims to market combination vaccines, believing that combining COVID-19 and flu immunizations could increase the uptake of both. Currently, nearly half of adults in the United States receive an annual flu vaccine, but only around 23 percent have opted for the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
Using mRNA technology, Moderna’s flu shot could not only improve vaccine efficacy but also aid in achieving a longstanding public health goal of enhancing standalone flu vaccinations. This development is particularly relevant following one of the most challenging flu seasons in the U.S. in the last 15 years, where the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccines was reported at 56 percent.
Jacqueline Miller, Moderna’s chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of the flu vaccine in the company’s strategy. She highlighted that a combination COVID-flu shot might appeal to those who are hesitant about receiving two injections.
Moderna’s technology enables quicker vaccine production compared to traditional methods that involve growing the virus in chicken eggs. This efficiency can help the company better adapt its vaccines to the dominant flu strains each season.
While the results of this trial mark a positive development for Moderna, the company has faced challenges due to a downturn in its COVID-related business and recent shifts in health leadership, which have affected recommendations for COVID vaccinations. Following the cancellation of a contract to develop bird flu vaccines, Moderna is actively exploring alternative funding sources and considering advancing vaccine development independently.
Overall, the progress with the combination vaccine presents a hopeful prospect in public health, particularly as the dual threat of flu and COVID-19 continues to pose risks during flu seasons. The advancements in mRNA technology signify a turning point that could lead to better health outcomes for countless individuals.