The FDA Authorizes Novavax’s Updated Protein-Based Covid Vaccine for Emergency Use

The Food and Drug Administration has recently authorized Novavax’s updated protein-based Covid vaccine for emergency use in individuals 12 years old and older. This development opens the door for Novavax’s vaccine to compete with Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines during the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

Targeting Omicron Subvariant JN.1

Novavax’s vaccine is designed to target the highly contagious omicron subvariant JN.1, which has been widely circulating in the United States this year. Despite JN.1 only making up a small percentage of cases nationwide, the FDA has approved Novavax’s vaccine as a preventive measure.

While Novavax’s protein-based vaccines cannot be easily updated to target new strains of the virus, the company assures that its shot offers protection against descendants of JN.1 that are currently dominant in the country, such as KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and LB.1. Novavax CEO John Jacobs has stated that the updated vaccine provides robust cross-reactivity against JN.1 lineage viruses.

Availability and Market Impact

Novavax anticipates that its vaccine will be widely accessible in thousands of locations across the U.S., including retail stores, independent pharmacies, and regional grocery stores. The announcement of the FDA’s approval resulted in an increase of over 8% in Novavax’s stock price, showing positive market response to the news.

In contrast to Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines, Novavax’s protein-based vaccine offers a different approach to combating the virus. While mRNA vaccines use a modern technique to instruct cells to produce proteins that trigger an immune response against Covid, Novavax’s vaccine relies on protein-based technology, a method that has been utilized in routine vaccinations for diseases like hepatitis B and shingles.

As the debate over Covid vaccinations continues, Novavax’s authorized vaccine provides an alternative for individuals who may prefer a different approach to immunization. The availability of multiple vaccine options allows for a diversified response to the ongoing pandemic, despite uncertainty regarding the number of individuals who will opt for a new Covid shot in the upcoming months.