The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 from Moderna, but with restrictions on its use.
The vaccine, called mNexspike, is intended for people who have already been vaccinated against COVID-19, primarily adults aged 65 and older. People aged 12 to 64 can receive it if they have at least one chronic condition that increases their risk of severe COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria.
According to Moderna, the mNexspike vaccine was approved by the FDA based on a study involving approximately 11,400 people aged 12 and older. The results showed that the new vaccine works just as well, and in some cases even better, than the original Spikevax vaccine. Specifically, mNexspike provides 9.3% better protection for people aged 12 and older and 13.5% higher efficacy for adults aged 65 and older.
The mNexspike vaccine contains mRNA that helps the body recognise a key protein of the virus that contributes to cell infection. It is based on the Omicron JN.1 variant and stimulates the immune system to produce protective antibodies.
Common side effects include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and fever.
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is transmitted from person to person and affects the respiratory system. In some cases, the disease may be mild, but older people or those with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at higher risk of complications. COVID-19 remains a serious threat, causing more than 47,000 deaths in the United States last year alone. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk, especially for vulnerable groups.
It should be noted that scientists have taken an important step towards creating universal antibodies against COVID-19 by developing a new human monoclonal antibody that could become part of a universal antibody cocktail effective against all strains of SARS-CoV-2.