Protein-based COVID-19 Vaccine Induced Neutralizing Responses Against Subvariants

Novavax, Inc. today announced that its updated protein-based XBB COVID vaccine candidate induced neutralizing antibody responses to the EG.5.1 and XBB.1.16.6 subvariants in small pre-clinical studies.

As of August 22, 2023, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus XBB sublineage variants are overwhelmingly responsible for the majority of current COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and European Union.

"Our data have shown that Novavax's protein-based COVID vaccine induces broadly neutralizing responses against XBB subvariants, including EG.5.1 and XBB.1.16.6," commented Filip Dubovsky, President of Research and Development, Novavax, in a press release.

Non-clinical data previously showed that Novavax's COVID vaccine candidate induced functional immune responses for XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.2.3 variants, indicating a broad response that could potentially be applicable for forward-drift variants.

Novavax is submitting applications for its XBB.1.5 COVID vaccine candidate to regulatory authorities globally.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine brands (Nuvaxovid, CovoVax, NVX-CoV2373, TAK-019) have been authorized in about 40 markets.

The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted, has not been approved or licensed by the U.S. FDA but is authorized for emergency use. Novavax vaccines are available in specific clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.