INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
An mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna was 27 percent more effective at preventing influenza infections than a standard flu shot,
the company announced this week.Moderna noted that the new shot, dubbed mRNA-1010, hit the highest efficacy target that it set for the
trial, which included nearly 41,000 people aged 50 and above
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either mRNA-1010 or a standard shot and were then followed for about six months during a flu
season.Compared to the standard shot, the mRNA vaccine had an overall vaccine efficacy that was 26.6 percent higher, and 27.4 percent higher
in participants who were aged 65 years or older
Previous trial data showed that mRNA-1010 generated higher immune responses in participants than both regular standard flu shots and
high-dose flu shots.The company noted that the positive results for the new trial come in the wake of one of the worst flu seasons in years
for the flu."Today's strong Phase 3 efficacy results are a significant milestone in our effort to reduce the burden of influenza in older
"The severity of this past flu season underscores the need for more effective vaccines
An mRNA-based flu vaccine has the potential advantage to more precisely match circulating strains, support rapid response in a future
influenza pandemic, and pave the way for COVID-19 combination vaccines."
