A Shot in the Arm: Moderna's Flu Vaccine Steps Up

Moderna's latest flu vaccine trial results are in, and they're looking good. The company's experimental mRNA-based flu shot showed a stronger immune response than the standard flu vaccine currently in use. This is big news, especially since Moderna is also working on a combo shot that targets both flu and COVID-19.

Key Developments and Plans

• Trial Results: The trial involved over 40,000 adults aged 50 and above. Moderna's shot was about 26.6% more effective overall than the standard flu vaccine. It also worked well against major influenza strains like A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B/Victoria.
• Efficacy in Older Adults: In adults aged 65 and older, the shot was 27.4% more effective than the standard flu vaccine. This is crucial as older adults are more vulnerable to severe flu complications.
• Combo Shot: Earlier this year, Moderna pulled its application for the combo shot after talks with the FDA. But now, with these new trial results, they're ready to try again. The company plans to resubmit the application for the combo shot and also seek approval for the standalone flu vaccine later this year.
• Approval Timeline: Moderna expects both shots to be approved next year, pending reviews. This could simplify vaccinations and reduce the workload for healthcare workers.

Impact and Future Prospects

• Last Year's Flu Season: Over 600,000 Americans were hospitalized due to flu-related illness, highlighting the need for more effective vaccines.
• Market Competition: Moderna is racing against other companies like Pfizer and Novavax to bring a combo shot to market. Despite a 30% drop in shares this year due to policy changes and funding cuts, Moderna remains optimistic about its future in the vaccine market.
• Broader Portfolio: Moderna's portfolio includes not just flu but also COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, positioning them strongly in the multi-billion-dollar vaccine market.

Conclusion

Moderna's mRNA-1010 vaccine showed promising safety data, consistent with previous studies. If approved, it could be a game-changer, making vaccinations simpler and potentially reducing the impact of flu, especially in older adults.