Moderna’s experimental mRNA-based flu vaccine demonstrated a stronger immune response than a currently available standard flu shot in a late-stage phase 3 trial, clearing a path for regulatory approval and advancing the combo flu and COVID shot, CNBC reported June 30.
The trial, which involved more than 40,000 adults 50 and older, showed that the mRNA vaccine was 26.6% more effective overall compared to the other standard vaccine. For adults 65 and older, the vaccine was 27.4% more effective than the standard flu vaccine.
Moderna voluntarily withdrew an earlier application for its combination COVID-flu vaccine in May after discussions held with the FDA and made the decision to resubmit with new flu vaccine efficiency data.
The drugmaker said it plans to file for approval for both standalone flu vaccine and combination shots later this year, with approvals expected in 2026, pending regulatory review.
