Japan Approves Protein-based COVID-19 Vaccine

Novavax Inc. announced on X today that its updated 2024-2025 formula COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2705) has received Marketing Approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

As of September 6, 2024, Novavax's vaccine is the only non-mRNA, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S. following the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting emergency use authorization.

John C. Jacobs, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax, commented in a recent press release, "Our updated vaccine targets JN.1, the 'parent strain' of currently circulating variants, and has shown robust cross-reactivity against JN.1 lineage viruses, including KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1 and LB.1."

Since August 2020, Novavax and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited have partnered to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Novavax’s COVID‑19 vaccines.

Before visiting Japan, the U.S. CDC recommends travelers speak with a healthcare provider one month before departure about their vaccination options.