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Combined COVID-19/influenza vaccine is superior to individual vaccines
Moderna’s mRNA-1083 vaccine combines the company’s seasonal influenza candidate and next-generation COVID-19 vaccines for improved immune response.
Results from a Phase 3 clinical trial on a combinatory COVID-19 and influenza vaccine reveal that a combined vaccine approach may elicit a better immune response than individual vaccinations in older adults.
Moderna conducted the randomized, observer-blind, active control study on the mRNA-1083 vaccine, which is a combined mRNA COVID and influenza vaccine. The researchers compared the combined vaccine's safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity with co-administered Fluzone HD and Spikevax. They also looked at two age cohorts: adults between 50 and 64 and adults over 65.
According to the Moderna press release, the mRNA-1083 vaccine offered a better immune response to multiple influenza virus strains, including H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria, across both age brackets. For example, the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of the 65 and older mRNA-1083 group compared to those in the same age bracket who received the Fluzone HD were 1.155 for H1N1, 1.063 for H3N2, and 1.118 for influenza B/Victoria. Furthermore, for the 50 to 64 age bracket, the GMRs were 1.414, 1.380, and 1.216, respectively.
Beyond influenza, the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron XBB.1.5 in the mRNA-1083 group compared to those who received Spikevax. More specifically, the GMR for the 65 and older group was 1.641, while it was 1.308 for the 50 to 64 age group.
"Combination vaccines have the potential to reduce the burden of respiratory viruses on health systems and pharmacies, as well as offer people more convenient vaccination options that could improve compliance and provide stronger protection from seasonal illnesses," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna, in the press release. "Moderna is the only company with a positive Phase 3 flu and COVID combination vaccine. Building on the momentum of positive Phase 3 data across our respiratory portfolio, we continue to address significant unmet medical needs and advance public health."
This study supports the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a combined COVID-19 and influenza vaccine. Although the studies need to be confirmed, if this vaccine is approved, it could offer protection against both viruses with positive public health implications.
