Moderna developing combo COVID, flu booster
An annual research and development day hosted by Cambridge biotech company Moderna revealed several advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, including a combination coronavirus and flu booster that’s in the works.
“We believe our mRNA platform can solve the world’s greatest health challenges, from diseases impacting millions, to ultrarare diseases impacting dozens, to medicines personalized down to the individual level,” said Stephane Bancel, CEO of Moderna.
Bancel on Thursday announced the development of a single-dose vaccine that combines a booster against the coronavirus and a booster against the flu.
The combo vaccine encodes for COVID’s spike protein and influenza’s proteins as well. The shot isn’t the only thing coming down the pipeline for Moderna though.
The company is also developing a combination vaccine for use in kids that targets respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus, which is another disease that causes colds that can be particularly severe in babies.
Phase one data from a separate RSV vaccine candidate in older adults significantly boosted antibodies above a baseline level, more good news for tackling the virus that’s the leading cause of severe respiratory illness in young children and seniors.
The company is preparing for a global study with about 34,000 participants of the RSV vaccine candidate, which is expected to begin by the end of this year.
Moderna has also worked for years to create personalized mRNA cancer vaccines. A phase two study of a cancer vaccine aimed at treating high-risk skin cancer is now fully enrolled. The primary goal of the study is recurrence-free survival for a year.
Moderna became a worldwide household name with its coronavirus vaccine, which has maintained excellent effectiveness in recipients throughout the pandemic.
“I am proud of the progress that the Moderna team has made in advancing our best-in-class mRNA pipeline while addressing the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Bancel said.
The company is continuing to scale 37 programs, including 22 in ongoing clinical trials. Some of the programs include novel respiratory vaccines, rare disease, cancer vaccines and prophylactic vaccines.
Thursday marked Moderna’s fifth annual research and development day.
Moderna stock is currently worth $455.92 a share, which was up nearly 8% on Thursday. Before the pandemic, Moderna stock was selling for less than $100 a share.