Moderna developing combined mRNA vaccine for COVID-19, Influenza
The company claims it provides superior immunity to adults over 50 compared to separate COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Moderna, a pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is advancing in the development of a groundbreaking combined vaccine targeting both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses with high efficacy.
According to a recent report from the international journal Nature, Moderna has successfully completed phase-III clinical trials for this mRNA-based vaccine.
The company claims it provides superior immunity to adults over 50 compared to separate COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
Moderna plans to seek approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring the vaccine to market, following its promising trial results.
James Thaventhiran, a clinical immunologist at the University of Cambridge, UK, highlighted the potential of mRNA technology in overcoming challenges associated with traditional combination vaccines. "This rapid success demonstrates why mRNA technology is so exciting," Thaventhiran remarked, suggesting it marks just the beginning of mRNA's potential in vaccine development.
mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells to produce antigens, triggering an immune response without the complexities and potential interactions of traditional vaccines. "mRNA-based vaccines simplify the production process, ensuring components for different antigens do not interfere with each other," explained Jacqueline Miller, head of development for infectious diseases at Moderna.
The flexibility of mRNA allows for swift adaptations to new variants, contrasting with traditional methods that rely on slower production cycles. Drew Weissman, an immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that mRNA technology enables quick adjustments to vaccine formulations, crucial for combating evolving viral strains.
Looking ahead, Moderna aims to expand its mRNA platform to include additional pathogens like the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), potentially streamlining immunization schedules and reducing the burden on healthcare systems globally.
"We are optimistic about the future of mRNA in vaccines," Weissman concluded. "This innovation marks a significant step forward in public health."
