Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a biotechnology company developing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, today announced data from the first co-administration study of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate [Novavax, NVX-CoV2373] and an approved influenza vaccine
GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a biotechnology company developing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, today announced data from the first co-administration study of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate [Novavax, NVX-CoV2373] and an approved influenza vaccine [Seqirus, adjuvanted, trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (aTIV) or a cell-based, quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (QIVc)]. The findings suggest simultaneous vaccination may be a viable immunization strategy. In addition, the protection afforded by the candidate vaccine was consistent with the main study at 87.5% and 89.8% respectively. A preprint of the manuscript, ‘Safety, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of a COVID-19 Vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) Co-administered With Seasonal Influenza Vaccines,’ is available at medRxiv.org and has been submitted for peer-review. As part of Novavax’ Phase 3 clinical trial of NVX-CoV2373, its recombinant nanoparticle protein-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, in the United Kingdom, 431 volunteers were also enrolled in a co-administration sub-study, led by researchers at St George’s, University of London and St George’s Hospital, London. All received an approved seasonal influenza vaccine with approximately half the participants co-vaccinated with NVX-CoV2373 while the remainder received placebo. The study demonstrated that vaccine efficacy appeared to be preserved in those receiving both vaccines compared to those vaccinated with NVX-CoV2373 alone. “As the next influenza season approaches and people still need a primary COVID-19 vaccine series or a booster, separate healthcare visits to cover both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations will be burdensome,” said Gregory M. Glenn, M.D., President of Research and Development, Novavax. “As the first clinical study to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a COVID-19 vaccine when co-administered with a seasonal influenza vaccine, these results demonstrate the promising opportunity for concomitant vaccination, which may improve the uptake of both vaccines.” A Favorable Safety and Reactogenicity Profile and Robust Immune Response Local and systemic reactogenicity was largely absent or mild in all groups with only a few events such as pain and tenderness at the injection site and muscle aches being elevated in those co-vaccinated. Local events generally lasted 1-2 days, while systemic events lasted approximately one day for both the co-vaccinated group and the group that received only NVX-CoV2373. In addition to reactogenicity, participants were monitoring for unsolicited adverse events (AEs), medically attended AEs (MAAEs), and serious AEs (SAEs). Rates of severe events were low in all groups and there were no additional early safety concerns associated with co-administration. Rates of unsolicited AEs, MAAEs, and SAEs were low and balanced between the groups. “This study shows how important it is to assess the safety profile and immune responses when COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are administered at the same time,” said Professor Paul Heath, FRCPCH, Vaccine Institute, St George’s, University of London and St George’s Hospital, London, who is chief investigator of the Novavax United Kingdom trial. “The results are reassuring and we are excited by the possibility of concomitant use of these vaccines as an important tool in the fight against both of these important respiratory viruses.” Furthermore, immunogenicity of the influenza vaccine was preserved with concomitant administration while a modest decrease in the immunogenicity of the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine was found. Vaccine efficacy in the sub-study was 87.5% (95% CI: -0.2, 98.4) while efficacy in the main study was 89.8% (95% CI: 79.7, 95.5) against SARS-CoV-2. Despite the decrease in the immunogenicity with concomitant vaccination, anti-Spike antibody levels were more than 3-fold higher than levels found in convalescent serum in those who received both vaccines. “These data could be used to help inform guidance or recommendations on the co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, overcoming challenges and contributing towards a new normal to protect at-risk populations from both infections,” said Raja Rajaram, M.D., Medical Affairs Lead, EMEA, Seqirus, a co-author of the study. “Seqirus is committed to advancing the science underpinning influenza and taking our place on the front line, alongside our public health partners, as a reliable influenza vaccine supplier.” About NVX-CoV2373 NVX-CoV2373 is being evaluated in two pivotal Phase 3 trials: a trial in the U.K. that demonstrated efficacy of 96.4% against the original virus strain, 86.3% against the B.1.1.7/501Y.V1 variant and 89.7% overall; and the PREVENT-19 trial in the U.S. and Mexico that demonstrated 100% protection against moderate and severe disease and 90.4% efficacy overall. It is also being tested in two ongoing Phase 2 studies that began in August 2020: A Phase 2b trial in South Africa that demonstrated 55% efficacy overall in HIV-negative participants and 48.6% efficacy against a newly emerging escape variant first described in South Africa, and a Phase 1/2 continuation in the U.S. and Australia. NVX-CoV2373 is stored and stable at 2°- 8°C, allowing the use of existing vaccine supply chain channels for its distribution. It is packaged in a ready-to-use liquid formulation in 10-dose vials. About Matrix-M™ Adjuvant About Novavax For more information, visit www.novavax.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements Contacts: Investors Solebury Trout Media
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