Moderna’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1283, has met the primary endpoints of its phase 3 clinical trial, the company announced in a news release.1
The vaccine generated a stronger immune response against both the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and the original virus strains of SARS-CoV-2 compared with Spikevax (mRNA-1273.322), Moderna’s licensed COVID-19 vaccine. Notably, this protection was most pronounced in participants aged 65 years and older—the population that is most susceptible for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
About NextCOVE
Trial Name: A Study of mRNA-1283.222 Injection Compared With mRNA-1273.222 Injection in Participants ≥12 Years of Age to Prevent COVID-19
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05815498
Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity, and relative vaccine efficacy (rVE) of the mRNA-1283.222 vaccine as well as its immunogenicity in comparison to the mRNA-1273.222 vaccine.
The vaccine also had comparable safety profiles to Moderna’s other approved COVID-19 vaccines. The most common solicited local adverse event was injection site pain, and the most common solicited systemic adverse events were headache, fatigue, myalgia, and chills.
Positive results for mRNA-1283 from the NextCOVE (NCT05815498) phase 3 pivotal trial, which recruited 11,400 individuals aged 12 years and older across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, pave the way for Moderna’s combination flu-COVID-19 vaccine, as its formulation is a key component.
“We are excited to announce our fourth infectious disease vaccine program with positive Phase 3 data, further validating our robust mRNA platform,” said Stéphane Bancel, chief executive officer of Moderna.1 “mRNA-1283 is a critical component of our combination vaccine against flu and COVID-19, mRNA-1083, and this milestone gives us confidence in our ability to bring this much needed vaccine to market.”
What’s more, the storage, shelf life and pre-filled syringe presentation of mRNA-1283 could ease burdens on health care workers by simplifying logistics and administration, potentially expanding access to the vaccine, and promoting better public health outcomes.
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In 2020, Moderna developed one of the first FDA-approved mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, quickly becoming a household name. Since then, the company has set its sights on building its respiratory portfolio of immunizations.