Novavax begins Phase 2 trial for COVID-Influenza Combo, influenza stand-alone vaccines

"We're encouraged by the initiation of this trial given the positive results shared earlier this year from our Phase 1/2 trial, the first of its kind to evaluate a combined COVID-19 and influenza vaccine," said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. "We believe that like influenza, COVID-19 will also be seasonal moving forward, and that there is room in the market for new alternatives to provide better protection against the impact of influenza, particularly in older adults, and to explore the potential to combine this with protection from COVID."

The randomized, observer-blinded trial will assess a combination of Novavax' recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2373), quadrivalent influenza vaccine candidate, and patented saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant. Primary and secondary objectives of the study are to assess the safety, tolerability, and immune responses to various formulations of the CIC and influenza vaccine candidates.

"The Phase 2 dose-confirmation trial will be conducted in two parts and seek to enroll a total of approximately 2,300 participants across multiple sites located in Australia and New Zealand. Initial results of the trial are expected mid-year 2023. These data will inform the Phase 3 trials for both influenza stand-alone and COVID-19-influenza combination candidates," the company stated in a release.

NVX-CoV2373 is a protein-based vaccine engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. The vaccine was created using Novavax' recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike protein and is formulated with Novavax' patented saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies. NVX-CoV2373 contains purified protein antigen and can neither replicate, nor can it cause COVID-19.