Influenza-COVID-19 Combo mRNA Vaccine Candidate Misses Mark

 BioNTech SE today announced top-line results from a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating a mRNA influenza and COVID-19 vaccine candidate in healthy adults.

The combination vaccine comprises Pfizer’s mRNA-based influenza vaccine candidate with the companies’ licensed COVID-19 vaccine.

The Phase 3 trial measured two primary immunogenicity objectives (immunogenicity against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and immunogenicity against influenza A and B), of which one objective was met.

The companies are evaluating adjustments to the combination vaccine candidate to improve immune responses against influenza B and will discuss next steps with health authorities.

“We are dedicated to developing combination vaccines that provide broader protection against multiple respiratory diseases,” said Prof. Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech, in a press release on August 16, 2024.

“The insights gained from this combination vaccine trial are highly valuable and will play a crucial role in guiding the further development of Pfizer’s and our combination vaccine program against influenza and COVID-19."

"We are committed to drawing on our experience in developing mRNA-based vaccine candidates against multiple antigens and believe we can successfully accomplish this task in collaboration with our partner Pfizer.”

As of August, updated influenza vaccines for the 2024-2025 flu season in the United States became available at pharmacies.