(Reuters) – COVID-19 vaccine makers said data from animals studies showed their 2024-25 shots targeting the JN.1 variant that was dominant earlier this year could neutralize newer subvariants such as KP.2 much better than the older shots.
This was disclosed in presentations by the companies ahead of a meeting of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s advisers on Wednesday.
The FDA panel will vote on recommending JN.1 variant targeting for 2024-25 vaccine updates.
Pfizer and BioNTech will supply updated vaccines right after approval. Moderna and Novavax expect August delivery timelines. These announcements signal proactive response from vaccine manufacturers.
Focus will be on whether advisers will recommend JN.1 strain or KP.2, which is now the dominant strain in the United States.
Pfizer and Moderna are prepared to provide vaccines targeting JN.1 or KP.2. Novavax plans to offer a vaccine in the U.S. by autumn if regulators approve its JN.1 variant shot. These updates reflect manufacturers’ adaptability to evolving variants.
Novavax produces a protein-based shot, slower to manufacture. Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech utilize mRNA, faster to develop.
Moreover, the positive results from trials involving JN.1 variant shots have instilled renewed confidence. Globally, vaccination campaigns face challenges posed by COVID-19. However, the availability of specialized vaccines offers hope in the quest for herd immunity.
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