Moderna mRNA flu vaccine shows 27% greater protection in Phase 3 trial
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 6
Moderna mRNA flu vaccine shows 27% greater protection in Phase 3 trial
9 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 6
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the trial enrolled more than 40,000 adults aged 50 and older at 301 sites in 11 countries.
About 2% of mRNA recipients fell ill versus 2.8% with standard shots; side effects were more common but mild, and results may strengthen Moderna's case for US approval.
The FDA, which rejected Moderna's initial filing in February over comparisons in older adults, is expected to decide by 5 August; no mRNA flu vaccine is yet approved worldwide.
With its flu shot facing hurdles, what is the future for Moderna's revolutionary mRNA vaccine pipeline?
Will the clash over Moderna's flu vaccine permanently change how new medicines are approved in America?
As top officials challenge mRNA science, can public trust in future vaccine breakthroughs be maintained?
Breakthrough in Flu Prevention: mRNA-1010 Vaccine Delivers 27% Greater Efficacy for Seniors
Overview
Moderna's mRNA-1010 flu vaccine showed a 26.6% higher effectiveness than standard vaccines in adults 50 and older, with even stronger protection (27.4%) for those 65 and above. This improved efficacy is supported by the vaccine's ability to stimulate a robust immune response, including key T-cell activation. The vaccine's faster, synthetic production method allows better strain matching and avoids issues seen in traditional egg-based vaccines. While the vaccine causes more mild side effects than traditional shots, these are manageable. Regulatory reviews are ongoing, aiming for availability in the 2026-2027 flu season. The success of mRNA-1010 also opens doors for future combination vaccines targeting multiple respiratory viruses.