Biotech
Thursday, October 26th, 2023 2:45 pm EDT
Key Points
- Pfizer and BioNTech are progressing towards a final-stage trial for their combination vaccine candidates that target both Covid-19 and the flu. This development follows positive results from an early to mid-stage study, bringing the pharmaceutical companies closer to regulatory approval for this dual-purpose vaccine.
- Combination vaccines, such as the one being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, aim to simplify immunization efforts by addressing multiple respiratory viruses at once. By offering a single injection that protects against both Covid-19 and the flu, these vaccines may streamline the vaccination process and improve vaccination rates, according to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.
- In the trial, Pfizer’s combination vaccine candidates demonstrated robust immune responses to various influenza strains (influenza A and B) as well as Covid-19. The safety profiles of these combination vaccine candidates were consistent with Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine. Similar efforts to develop combination shots are underway by other vaccine makers, including Moderna and Novavax.
Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are moving forward with a combination vaccine for Covid-19 and the flu. Positive initial results from an early to mid-stage study have paved the way for the vaccine to enter a final-stage trial in the coming months. The pharmaceutical giant hopes to gain regulatory approval for this combination shot in 2024 or later, aiming to simplify the process of protecting against respiratory viruses that typically circulate simultaneously. Pfizer’s combination vaccine aims to reduce the impact of both Covid-19 and the flu with a single injection, offering convenience and potentially improving vaccination rates. The trial focused on safety, tolerability, and efficacy and showed robust immune responses to influenza A, influenza B, and various Covid strains. Pfizer’s move aligns with similar efforts by vaccine makers such as Moderna and Novavax to develop combination shots.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/26/pfizer-combination-covid-flu-vaccine-shows-positive-trial-data.html
