Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine for the fall 2023 vaccination season was found to generate a significant immune response against the EG.5 and FL 1.5.1 variants, based on preliminary clinical data.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EG.5, or Eris strain, is now a dominant variant in the US and has been classified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, in parts of the US, there has been a surge in the FL 1.5.1, or Fornax, strain.
In June 2023, Moderna completed the submission of its application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an updated COVID-19 vaccine containing spike proteins for the XBB.1.5 sublineage of SARS-CoV-2 (mRNA-1273.815). Both the EG.5 and FL 1.5.1 strains originate from the XBB Omicron subvariant.
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“These results suggest that Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine may effectively target the expected circulating variants of COVID-19 during the upcoming vaccination season,” the Company said in a statement.
Once authorized, Moderna says it will be ready to provide the updated vaccine for the upcoming fall vaccination season.
Reference
Moderna clinical trial data confirm its updated COVID-19 vaccine generates robust immune response in humans against widely circulating variants. Moderna. News release. August 17, 2023. https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2023/Moderna-Clinical-Trial-Data-Confirm-Its-Updated-COVID-19-Vaccine-Generates-Robust-Immune-Response-in-Humans-Against-Widely-Circulating-Variants/default.aspx.
This article originally appeared on MPR
