Novavax’s New Covid Vaccine Shows Promising Results Against Eris Variant and Other Fast-Spreading Strains
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Novavax’s Covid Vaccine Shows Promise Against New Variants
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Overview
Novavax, a biotech company, announced that its new Covid vaccine has demonstrated a strong immune response against the prevalent Eris variant and another rapidly spreading strain of the virus in small animal trials. This development has led to a more than 5% increase in Novavax’s shares.
Targeting Omicron Subvariant XBB.1.5
The updated Novavax vaccine specifically targets the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, which is currently declining across the country.
Effectiveness Against Newer Variants
The trial results indicate that Novavax’s vaccine may still be effective against newer Covid variants gaining prominence in the United States, including Eris and XBB.1.16.6. These variants are also descendants of omicron.
Upcoming Vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna
Pfizer and Moderna, two other prominent vaccine developers, are expected to launch their new shots in the United States in the coming weeks, pending approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both companies have released preliminary trial results suggesting that their vaccines will be effective against Eris, but Moderna is the only one with human trial data.
Confidence in Novavax’s Vaccine
Filip Dubovsky, Novavax’s president of research and development, expressed confidence in their updated Covid vaccine and highlighted their collaboration with global regulatory bodies to ensure its availability by fall.
Impact of Eris and XBB Variants
Eris, also known as EG.5, currently accounts for 17.3% of all Covid cases in the United States. While it has been designated a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization, indicating close monitoring for potential mutations, the numbers of hospitalizations and cases remain below last year’s summer peak. XBB.1.16.6, another emerging variant, makes up 8% of all nationwide cases.