Moderna, the pharmaceutical company, has reported encouraging outcomes from its ongoing trial of a novel vaccine named mRNA-1083.
This trial, targeting adults aged 50 and above, demonstrated that an experimental two-in-one vaccine evoked robust immune responses against both influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.
The ongoing study evaluates this innovative combination vaccine, mRNA-1083, against various licensed vaccines that safeguard against either COVID-19 or influenza. According to Moderna, this combination shot elicited “significantly higher immune responses” against three flu subtypes and the coronavirus, compared to separate vaccines.
However, these findings are yet to undergo external scientific scrutiny. Moderna intends to disclose the data at an upcoming medical gathering and publish the results in a scientific journal.
Moderna aims to secure approval for the new vaccine by fall 2025. While it won’t be available for the upcoming flu season, it could be accessible by the subsequent one. Competitors like Pfizer-BioNTech and Novavax are also developing their COVID-flu vaccines, but Moderna is the first to unveil late-stage clinical trial data.
The combination vaccine, if approved, promises to simplify the vaccination process by merging the annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccines. This approach enhances vaccination coverage by offering convenience and may alleviate healthcare professionals’ workload by reducing the number of individual shots administered.
Apart from convenience, preliminary data from Moderna suggests that the new vaccine may offer greater protection than separate vaccines. Dr. Francesca Ceddia, Moderna’s chief medical affairs officer, highlights the potential clinical benefits of the combination vaccine beyond its convenience.
The mRNA-1083 vaccine comprises two components, both utilizing a genetic molecule called mRNA to instruct human cells to produce specific proteins found on the surface of both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.
The ongoing trial, involving approximately 4,000 adults in two age groups (50-64 and 65+), demonstrated superior immune responses against various flu and COVID-19 variants. However, the vaccine’s efficacy against newer omicron variants remains uncertain.
Common side effects of the new vaccine included pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches, consistent with existing COVID-19 and flu vaccines. However, Moderna has yet to release comprehensive trial details, including any differences in side effect rates between the old and new vaccines.
In conclusion, the combination vaccine offers a promising approach to combat both influenza and COVID-19, potentially revolutionizing vaccination strategies and improving public health outcomes.
