EU Grants Approval to Novavax's Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine

01 November 2023 | Wednesday | News

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M™ adjuvant, announced the European Commission has granted approval for Nuvaxovid™ XBB.1.5 dispersion for injection COVID-19 Vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted) (NVX-CoV2601) for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals aged 12 and older. This decision follows positive opinion for approval from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency.
Image Source | Public Domain

Image Source | Public Domain

  • Novavax's updated COVID-19 vaccine is the only updated protein-based non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available in the European Union for individuals aged 12 and older
  • Novavax is working closely with EU member states to bring its updated COVID-19 vaccine to those that have requested doses through the advance purchase agreement

 

 

"Today's approval of the only updated protein-based non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in the EU is an important milestone as the need for vaccination continues," said John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. "Novavax is working closely with national authorities to have our updated vaccine delivered and available in Europe in the coming weeks."

Novavax is working closely with EU member states that have requested doses through the advance purchase agreement to confirm timing of dose delivery on a country-by-country basis.

Approval was based on non-clinical data showing that Novavax's updated COVID-19 vaccine induced functional immune responses against XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3 variants. Additional non-clinical data demonstrated that Novavax's vaccine induced neutralizing antibody responses to newly emerging subvariants BA.2.86, EG.5.1 FL.1.5.1 and XBB.1.16.6 as well as CD4+ polyfunctional cellular (T-cell) responses against EG.5.1 and XBB.1.16.6. These data indicate Novavax's vaccine can stimulate both arms of the immune system and may induce a broad response against circulating variants.1,2

In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions associated with Novavax's prototype COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) included headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, injection site tenderness, injection site pain, fatigue and malaise.

Novavax's vaccine is authorized for use in the U.S. and is currently under review in other markets.

NOVAVAX COVID-19 VACCINE, ADJUVANTED (2023-2024 FORMULA) AUTHORIZED USES
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2023-2024 Formula) has not been approved or licensed by FDA, but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA, under an EUA to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for use in individuals 12 years of age and older. Refer to the full Fact Sheet for information about the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted.

The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of the medical product under Section 564(b)(1) of the FD&C Act unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What should you mention to your vaccination provider before you or your child get the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted?
Tell your vaccination provider about all of your or your child's medical conditions, including if you or your child: 

  • have any allergies
  • have had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)
  • have a fever
  • have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
  • are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding
  • have received another COVID-19 vaccine
  • have ever fainted in association with an injection

Who should not get the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted?
A person should not get the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted if they had: 

  • a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of any Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted
  • a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of these vaccines

What are the risks of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted?
There is a remote chance that the vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose. For this reason, the vaccination provider may ask you or your child to stay at the place where you or your child received the vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include: 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the face and throat
  • A fast heartbeat
  • A bad rash all over your body
  • Dizziness and weakness

Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have occurred in some people who have received the vaccine. In most of these people, symptoms began within 10 days following vaccination. The chance of having this occur is very low. You should seek medical attention right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms after receiving the vaccine:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart

Side effects that have been reported in clinical trials with the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted include:

  • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
  • Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)
  • Injection site reactions: pain/tenderness, swelling, redness and itching
  • General side effects: fatigue or generally feeling unwell, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills
  • Allergic reactions such as hives and swelling of the face
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Side effects that have been reported in post-authorization use with the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted include:

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
  • Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)
  • Paresthesia (unusual feeling in the skin such as tingling or a crawling feeling)
  • Hypoesthesia (decreased feeling or sensitivity, especially in the skin)

These may not be all the possible side effects. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. The possible side effects are still being studied.

 

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