Moderna is aiming to market a Covid-19 and influenza booster vaccine combo within the next two years, CEO Stéphane Bancel has said.
The single shot offering protection against Covid-19, flu, and the common respiratory virus RSV could be ready ahead of 2023’s winter infectious season, he announced.
“Our goal is to be able to have a single annual booster so that we don’t have compliance issues where people don’t want to get two-to-three shots a winter,” Bancel said, speaking at a World Economic Forum panel session on Monday (17 January).
The US-based company first shared plans to develop a single jab combining its Covid-19 booster with a flu shot back in September, during a presentation to investors.
At the time, Bancel said Moderna could be the first company to bring a “high efficacy, pan-respiratory annual booster” to market.
The CEO also told Monday’s panel that a Moderna Covid-19 vaccine candidate targeting the highly transmissible Omicron variant will enter clinical development in the coming weeks. He added that data on the Omicron-specific jab could be shared with regulators as soon as March.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataWhile many countries are now rolling out third shots of coronavirus vaccines to boost populations’ immunity against Covid-19, Bancel commented earlier this month that a fourth jab could be needed this year as the efficacy of initial vaccinations and booster doses declines.
In December, Israel began administering second booster doses to its most vulnerable or high-risk populations. This week, a preliminary study conducted in the country suggested a fourth Covid-19 vaccine shot helps to boost antibodies but does not provide enough protection to prevent Omicron infections.
Covid-19 vaccines: our most read articles
- Covid-19 mRNA vaccine booster outlook positive despite heart inflammation risk
- Covid-19 mRNA vaccines for kids likely to be safe and effective but vigilance needed
- Babies from a Covid-19 mRNA vaccinated pregnancy will still need primary jabs
- Vaxart oral Covid-19 vaccine: could trial execution obstacles delay market entry?