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Wednesday, March 23 2022 - 09:20
AsiaNet
Novavax and Serum Institute of India Announce First Emergency Use Authorization of Novavax' COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents ≥12 to <18 in India
GAITHERSBURG, Md. and PUNE, India, March 23, 2022 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

-- First authorization of Novavax' COVID-19 vaccine in adolescent population 
received

-- Covovax(TM) (SARS-CoV-2 rS Protein (COVID-19) recombinant spike protein 
Nanoparticle Vaccine) is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine authorized 
for adolescents (greater than, or equal to)12 to <18 in India

-- Authorization highlights immunogenicity and reassuring safety profile of 
Covovax in Phase 2/3 study of Indian adolescents aged (greater than, or equal 
to) 12 to <18 and data from an ongoing Phase 3 pediatric expansion trial of 
NVX-CoV2373 in adolescents aged (greater than, or equal to)12 to <18 in the U.S.

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a biotechnology company dedicated to developing 
and commercializing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, 
and Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (SII), the world's largest vaccine 
manufacturer by volume, announced that the Drugs Controller General of India 
(DCGI) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for Novavax' protein-based 
COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged (greater than, or equal to)12 to <18 
years in India. The vaccine, also known as NVX-CoV2373, is manufactured and 
marketed in India by SII under the brand name Covovax(TM) and is the first 
protein-based vaccine authorized for use in this age group in India.

"We're proud of this first approval in adolescents given the efficacy and 
safety that our data show in this population, and that our COVID-19 vaccine 
will provide an alternative protein-based vaccine option for individuals 12 
years of age and older in India," said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, Novavax. "We hope that this authorization of our COVID-19 
vaccine in adolescents is the first of many worldwide so that families have an 
additional choice built on a well-understood platform used in other vaccines 
for decades."

A Phase 2/3, observer-blinded, randomized, controlled study in a total of 460 
Indian adolescents aged (greater than, or equal to)12 to <18 years was 
conducted to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Covovax. The study 
demonstrated that Covovax was well-tolerated with a reassuring safety profile. 
Furthermore, the data indicated that Covovax is immunogenic in adolescents aged 
(greater than, or equal to)12 to <18 years. The authorization in India also 
references the ongoing PREVENT-19 pivotal Phase 3 pediatric expansion trial of 
NVX-CoV2373 in adolescents in the U.S. aged (greater than, or equal to)12 to 
<18, results ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=118859063&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-02-10-Novavax-Announces-Positive-Results-of-COVID-19-Vaccine-in-Pediatric-Population-of-PREVENT-19-Phase-3-Clinical-Trial&a=results 
) of which were shared in February.

"The approval of Covovax for adolescents 12 and older in India marks another 
significant milestone in strengthening our immunization efforts across India 
and LMICs," said Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer, Serum Institute of 
India. "We are proud to deliver a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine with a 
favorable safety profile to the adolescents of our nation."

Covovax is the fourth vaccine to receive EUA from the DCGI for use among 
adolescents 12 and older. The safety and efficacy of Covovax in adolescents 
aged less than 12 years have not yet been established; however, studies 
evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of Covovax for the age groups of 
(greater than, or equal to)7 to <12 and &#8805;2 to <7 years in India are 
underway.

DCGI initially granted EUA for Covovax for adults 18 years old and above in 
December ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=1374865207&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2021-12-28-Novavax-and-Serum-Institute-of-India-Receive-Emergency-Use-Authorization-for-COVID-19-Vaccine-in-India&a=December 
). In addition, Covovax has received Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World 
Health Organization, as well as EUA in Indonesia, the Philippines, and 
Bangladesh. For additional information on Covovax, please visit the following 
websites:

-- Serum Institute of India ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=1922873189&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seruminstitute.com%2FCOVOVAX.php&a=Serum+Institute+of+India 
)

-- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=4206181535&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3399869-1%26h%3D2212331164%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcdsco.gov.in%252Fopencms%252Fopencms%252Fen%252FHome%252F%26a%3DCentral%2BDrugs%2BStandard%2BControl%2BOrganization%2B(India)&a=Central+Drugs+Standard+Control+Organization 
)

Authorized Use of Novavax' COVID-19 Vaccine in India
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued a permission for 
restricted use in emergency situation for Covovax for active immunization to 
prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals 12 years of age and older.

Authorization in the U.S.
NVX-CoV2373 has not yet been authorized for use in the U.S. by the U.S. FDA.

Important Safety Information

   -- NVX-CoV2373 is contraindicated in persons who have a hypersensitivity to 
      the active substance, or to any of the excipients.
   -- Events of anaphylaxis have been reported with administration of COVID-19 
      vaccines. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision should be 
      available in case of an anaphylactic reaction following the 
administration 
      of the vaccine. Close observation for at least 15 minutes is recommended 
      and a second dose of the vaccine should not be given to those who have 
      experienced anaphylaxis to the first dose of NVX-CoV2373.
   -- Anxiety-related reactions, including vasovagal reactions (syncope), 
      hyperventilation, or stress-related reactions may occur in association 
      with vaccination as a psychogenic response to the needle injection. It is 
      important that precautions are in place to avoid injury from fainting.
   -- Vaccination should be postponed in individuals suffering from an acute 
      severe febrile illness or acute infection. The presence of a minor 
      infection and/or low-grade fever should not delay vaccination.
   -- NVX-CoV2373 should be given with caution in individuals receiving 
      anticoagulant therapy or those with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation 
      disorder (such as haemophilia) because bleeding or bruising may occur 
      following an intramuscular administration in these individuals.
   -- The efficacy of NVX-CoV2373 may be lower in immunosuppressed individuals.
   -- Administration of NVX-CoV2373 in pregnancy should only be considered when 
      the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks for the mother and 
      foetus.
   -- The effects with NVX-CoV2373 may temporarily affect the ability to drive 
      or use machines.
   -- Individuals may not be fully protected until 7 days after their second 
      dose. As with all vaccines, vaccination with NVX-CoV2373 may not protect 
      all vaccine recipients.
   -- The most common adverse reactions observed during clinical studies were 
      headache, nausea or vomiting, myalgia, arthralgia, injection site 
      tenderness/pain, fatigue, and malaise.

About NVX-CoV2373
NVX-CoV2373 is a protein-based vaccine engineered from the genetic sequence of 
the first strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. 
NVX-CoV2373 was created using Novavax' recombinant nanoparticle technology to 
generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike (S) protein and is 
formulated with Novavax' patented saponin-based Matrix-M(TM) adjuvant to 
enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing 
antibodies. NVX-CoV2373 contains purified protein antigen and can neither 
replicate, nor can it cause COVID-19.

Novavax' COVID-19 vaccine is packaged as a ready-to-use liquid formulation in a 
vial containing ten doses. The vaccination regimen calls for two 0.5 ml doses 
(5 mcg antigen and 50 mcg Matrix-M adjuvant) given intramuscularly 21 days 
apart. The vaccine is stored at 2(Deg.)- 8(Deg.) Celsius, enabling the use of 
existing vaccine supply and cold chain channels. Use of the vaccine should be 
in accordance with official recommendations.

Novavax has established partnerships for the manufacture, commercialization and 
distribution of NVX-CoV2373 worldwide. Existing authorizations leverage 
Novavax' manufacturing partnership with Serum Institute of India (SII), the 
world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. They will later be supplemented 
with data from additional manufacturing sites throughout Novavax' global supply 
chain.

About the NVX-CoV2373 Phase 3 trials
NVX-CoV2373 is being evaluated in two pivotal Phase 3 trials.

PREVENT-19, a trial in the U.S. and Mexico that enrolled almost 30,000 
participants aged 18 years and older, achieved 90.4% efficacy overall. It was 
designed as a 2:1 randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded study to 
evaluate the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of NVX-CoV2373. The primary 
endpoint for PREVENT-19 was the first occurrence of PCR-confirmed symptomatic 
(mild, moderate or severe) COVID-19 with onset at least 7 days after the second 
dose in serologically negative (to SARS-CoV-2) adult participants at baseline. 
The statistical success criterion included a lower bound of 95% CI >30%. A 
secondary endpoint was the prevention of PCR-confirmed, symptomatic moderate or 
severe COVID-19. Both endpoints were assessed at least seven days after the 
second study vaccination in volunteers who had not been previously infected 
with SARS-CoV-2. It was generally well-tolerated and elicited a robust antibody 
response after the second dose in both studies. Full results of the trial were 
published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=4064552863&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3440781-1%26h%3D467849857%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nejm.org%252Fdoi%252Ffull%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa2116185%253Fquery%253Dfeatured_home%26a%3DNew%2BEngland%2BJournal%2Bof%2BMedicine&a=New+England+Journal+of+Medicine 
) .

A trial conducted in the U.K. with 14,039 participants aged 18 years and older 
was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded study and 
achieved overall efficacy of 89.7%. The primary endpoint was based on the first 
occurrence of PCR-confirmed symptomatic (mild, moderate or severe) COVID-19 
with onset at least 7 days after the second study vaccination in serologically 
negative (to SARS-CoV-2) adult participants at baseline. Full results of the 
trial were published in NEJM ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=298748608&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3440781-1%26h%3D3617137863%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nejm.org%252Fdoi%252Ffull%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa2107659%26a%3DNEJM&a=NEJM 
).

About Matrix-M(TM) Adjuvant
Novavax' patented saponin-based Matrix-M(TM) adjuvant has demonstrated a potent 
and well-tolerated effect by stimulating the entry of antigen-presenting cells 
into the injection site and enhancing antigen presentation in local lymph 
nodes, boosting immune response.

About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) is a biotechnology company that promotes improved 
health globally through the discovery, development and commercialization of 
innovative vaccines to prevent serious infectious diseases. The company's 
proprietary recombinant technology platform harnesses the power and speed of 
genetic engineering to efficiently produce highly immunogenic nanoparticles 
designed to address urgent global health needs. NVX-CoV2373, the company's 
COVID-19 vaccine, has received conditional authorization from multiple 
regulatory authorities globally, including the European Commission and the 
World Health Organization. The vaccine is also under review by multiple 
regulatory agencies worldwide. In addition to its COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax is 
also currently evaluating a COVID-seasonal influenza combination vaccine in a 
Phase 1/2 clinical trial, which combines NVX-CoV2373 and NanoFlu, its 
quadrivalent influenza investigational vaccine candidate. These vaccine 
candidates incorporate Novavax' proprietary saponin-based Matrix-M(TM) adjuvant 
to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing 
antibodies.

For more information, visit www.novavax.com and connect with us on Twitter ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=3124045176&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3399869-1%26h%3D2040794221%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fc212.net%252Fc%252Flink%252F%253Ft%253D0%2526l%253Den%2526o%253D3260461-1%2526h%253D1316526774%2526u%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fc212.net%25252Fc%25252Flink%25252F%25253Ft%25253D0%252526l%25253Den%252526o%25253D3158017-1%252526h%25253D500821283%252526u%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Ftwitter.com%2525252FNovavax%252526a%25253DTwitter%2526a%253DTwitter%26a%3DTwitter&a=Twitter 
), LinkedIn ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=1948372359&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3399869-1%26h%3D27315898%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fc212.net%252Fc%252Flink%252F%253Ft%253D0%2526l%253Den%2526o%253D3260461-1%2526h%253D1508558197%2526u%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fc212.net%25252Fc%25252Flink%25252F%25253Ft%25253D0%252526l%25253Den%252526o%25253D3158017-1%252526h%25253D3702938248%252526u%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.linkedin.com%2525252Fcompany%2525252Fnovavax%2525252F%252526a%25253DLinkedIn%2526a%253DLinkedIn%26a%3DLinkedIn&a=LinkedIn 
), Instagram ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=613462772&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3399869-1%26h%3D2634683834%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fc212.net%252Fc%252Flink%252F%253Ft%253D0%2526l%253Den%2526o%253D3367039-1%2526h%253D3348182013%2526u%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.instagram.com%25252Fnovavax%25252F%2526a%253DInstagram%26a%3DInstagram&a=Instagram 
) and Facebook ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3481047-1&h=843636805&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3399869-1%26h%3D1555903536%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252FNovavax%252F%26a%3DFacebook&a=Facebook 
).

About Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.
Driven by the philanthropic philosophy of affordable vaccines, Serum Institute 
of India Pvt, Ltd. is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by number of 
doses produced and sold globally (more than 1.5 billion doses), supplying the 
world's least expensive and WHO-accredited vaccines to as many as 170 
countries. It was founded in 1966 with the aim of manufacturing lifesaving 
immunobiological drugs including vaccines worldwide. With a strong commitment 
towards global health, the institute's objective has been proliferated by 
bringing down the prices of newer vaccines such as such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, 
Pertussis, Hib, BCG, r-Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines. SII is 
credited with bringing world-class technology to India, through its 
state-of-the-art equipped multifunctional production facility in Manjari, Pune; 
association with Zipline and government agencies to transform emergency 
medicine and critical care along with spearheading the race of vaccine 
development against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements herein relating to the future of Novavax, its operating plans and 
prospects, its partnerships, the timing of clinical trial results, the ongoing 
development of NVX-CoV2373 and NanoFlu, its COVID-seasonal influenza 
investigational vaccine candidate, the scope, timing and outcome of future 
regulatory filings and actions, including Novavax' plans to supplement existing 
authorizations with data from the additional manufacturing sites in Novavax' 
global supply chain, additional worldwide authorizations of NVX-CoV2373 for 
adolescents, the potential impact and reach of Novavax and NVX-CoV2373 in 
addressing vaccine access, controlling the pandemic and protecting populations, 
and the efficacy, safety and intended utilization of NVX-CoV2373 are 
forward-looking statements. Novavax cautions that these forward-looking 
statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such 
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation,  
challenges satisfying, alone or together with partners, various safety, 
efficacy, and product characterization requirements, including those related to 
process qualification and assay validation, necessary to satisfy applicable 
regulatory authorities; difficulty obtaining scarce raw materials and supplies; 
resource constraints, including human capital and manufacturing capacity, on 
the ability of Novavax to pursue planned regulatory pathways; challenges 
meeting contractual requirements under agreements with multiple commercial, 
governmental, and other entities; and those other risk factors identified in 
the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations" sections of Novavax' Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (SEC). We caution investors not to place considerable 
reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are 
encouraged to read our filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov and 
www.novavax.com, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. 
The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date 
of this document, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of the 
statements. Our business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, 
including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others 
should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.

Contacts:

Investors
Novavax, Inc.
Erika Schultz | 240-268-2022
ir@novavax.com

Solebury Trout
Alexandra Roy | 617-221-9197
aroy@soleburytrout.com

Media
Ali Chartan | 240-720-7804
Laura Keenan Lindsey | 202-709-7521
media@novavax.com

Serum Institute of India
Mayank Sen | +91-986-797-4055
mayank.sen@seruminstitute.com

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SOURCE: Novavax, Inc. 
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