Expected for years by experts and health authorities, the Modern Multicomponent Vaccin, which operates against Covid-19 and the flu, showed to be higher than vaccines applied separately, according to data from a phase 3 clinical trial.
Recently published in Jama magazinethe study states that MRNA-1083 demonstrated immunogenicity comparable to the vaccines currently used against seasonal flu (subtypes A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Victoria and B/Yamagata) and against the omicron XBB.1.5 variant of SARS-COV-2.
The new immunizer, developed with the same messenger technology of the covid vaccine approved during the pandemic it represents a promising advance in combating two respiratory diseases, especially among people aged 50 or older, more susceptible to complications.
The expectation surrounding the approval of the combined influenza and Covid-19 vaccine revolves around the possibility of facilitating campaigns by gathering protection in one dose, with the potential to increase adherence between the elderly and make logistics more efficient.
Despite the good results, the modern does not expect rapid approval from the United States Food and Medicines Agency (FDA) for its vaccine, due to recent changes in regulatory policy implemented by the new Secretary of Health, known for its anti -vacit positions.
How were immunogenicity and safety of the modern vaccine tested?
Funded by Moderna, the randomized clinical trial involved more than 8,000 adults 50 or older. Participants were randomly distributed in two groups: one received the combined vaccine and the other, the separate vaccines, with a placebo to simulate the application of two doses.
The main objective of the study was to verify that the combined vaccine induced a stronger immune response than current immunizers against influenza and Variant XBB.1.5 from Covid-19. For this, the researchers performed a serological test, blood test used to measure antibody production.
The results showed that antibody levels were between 20% and 40% higher among those who took the combined vaccine compared to those who received the vaccines applied separately. The new vaccine presented a stronger immune response against Covid and several flu strains.
Former FDA’s chief scientist Jesse Goodman told NBC News that the data is promising and suggest that the combined vaccine can offer a protection equal to or greater than traditional vaccines. For him, antibody levels correlate with the degree of protection of the immunizer.
Although side effects such as fever and chills have been more frequent among those who received the new vaccine, this can be attributed to simultaneous activation of the immune system against two different viruses, which generates a more intense inflammatory response yet expected.
Political-ideological problems to release the new vaccine from modern
In an attempt to launch its combined vaccine as early as this year’s fall, Modern intends to use the latest data to request FDA approval. However, the company only provides for regulatory authorization in 2026, due to the requirement of more data on influenza effectiveness.
It is still unclear whether the new FDA rule, which requires placebo -controlled clinical trials to approve new vaccines, will be applied to the combined vaccine. The agency has already imposed Novavax -like requirements and can do the same with Pfizer’s updated immunizers and modern itself.
According to the Texas Children’s Hospital Vaccine Development Center, DR. Peter Hotez, MRNA vaccines have become the favorite targets of anti-vaccin movements in the US with state laws seeking to restrict their use.
For Jesse Goodman, a MRNA -based combined vaccine would also represent a strategic advance by allowing faster answers to future flu pandemics, surpassing the current production process, which still depends on egg virus cultivation.
It is important to highlight that The study did not directly evaluate the clinical efficacy of the vaccine that is, how many vaccinated people have gotten sick or not. Although it has generated a higher immune response to traditional vaccines, actual protection still needs to be confirmed.
Vaccine against herpes-zoster reduces by 23% cardiovascular risk, says study
This content was originally published 2 in 1: influenza and Covid vaccine proves effectiveness in the elderly, says study on the website CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
I am an experienced journalist and writer with a career in the news industry. My focus is on covering Top News stories for World Stock Market, where I provide comprehensive analysis and commentary on markets around the world. I have expertise in writing both long-form articles and shorter pieces that deliver timely, relevant updates to readers.
