Country for PR: United States
Contributor: PR Newswire New York
Thursday, October 13 2022 - 01:09
AsiaNet
Novavax Prototype COVID-19 Vaccine Data Support Homologous and Heterologous Boosting and Suggest Benefit Against Variants
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

    -- Homologous boosting with the prototype Novavax COVID-19 vaccine induced 
       robust antibody titers for Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5

    -- Study 307 (Lot Consistency) achieved its primary endpoint, showing that
       three vaccine lots induced a comparable immune response thereby 
       demonstrating the consistency of the manufacturing process

    -- A durable immunogenicity response was observed following primary 
       vaccination as well as boosting which matched the levels previously
       associated with protection

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a biotechnology company dedicated to developing 
and commercializing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, 
today presented data from the Phase 3 PREVENT-19 trial and Study 307 (Lot 
Consistency) at the World Vaccine Congress Europe 2022. PREVENT-19 data in both 
adults aged 18 and older and adolescents aged 12 through 17 showed the 
prototype Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) achieved its pre-specified 
immunologic endpoint. Study 307 (Lot Consistency) met its primary endpoint, 
showing that three lots of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine tested as a 
heterologous booster induced consistent immune responses in previously 
vaccinated adults aged 18 to 49.

"These data further demonstrate the consistent immunogenicity and safety 
profile of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as a booster, regardless of previous 
vaccine history," said Gregory M. Glenn, M.D., President of Research and 
Development, Novavax. "These data are an early indication that our vaccine may 
be effective against variants such as Omicron. We have ongoing trials further 
exploring the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine's potential as an effective booster 
against these variants, including BA.4/5, and look forward to sharing these 
data."

PREVENT-19 adult and adolescent homologous boosting

In the PREVENT-19 trial, a single homologous booster dose was given to select 
adult participants aged 18 and older, approximately eight or 11 months after 
their primary series. Following a booster dose, severe acute respiratory 
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) anti-spike (anti-S) Immunoglobulin G (IgG; 
a type of antibody) levels increased significantly relative to pre-boost 
levels, rising above the level correlated with 95% vaccine efficacy in a recent 
USG study. Neutralizing antibodies against the prototype strain also increased 
by 34- to 27-fold compared to pre-boost levels when boosted at eight or 11 
months. Boosting also increased IgG and human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 
(hACE2) receptor inhibition antibody levels against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and 
BA.5 variants, with levels that are comparable to those observed in Phase 3 
efficacy studies.

In the pediatric expansion of PREVENT-19 which evaluated boosting in 
adolescents aged 12 through 17, a single homologous booster dose was evaluated 
for anti-S IgG, hACE2 receptor inhibition and neutralization antibody 
responses. Following boosting, neutralizing titers were 2.7-fold higher than 
those seen with primary vaccination, and a significant boost was observed for 
antibody against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5.

In both adults and adolescents, a third dose of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine 
decreased the antigenic distance between SARS-CoV-2 variant and prototype virus 
strains, suggesting benefit for the prevention of COVID-19 against contemporary 
variants such as Omicron. Additionally, in both adults and adolescents, booster 
doses were well tolerated, with mostly mild to moderate reactogenicity that was 
of short duration.

Study 307 (Lot Consistency) adult homologous and heterologous boosting

Study 307 (Lot Consistency) achieved its primary endpoint, showing that three 
lots of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine induced consistent immune responses in 
adults aged 18 to 49. Further, anti-S IgG titers were within the range 
previously found to correlate with high efficacy in the PREVENT-19 Phase 3 
trial. Safety was also consistent across lots, with no serious related 
treatment-emergent adverse events (AE). These findings confirm a consistent 
vaccine manufacturing process.

Further, heterologous boosting responses were consistent across participants 
who received primary vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson, with 
IgG levels approximating levels observed in PREVENT-19.

About PREVENT-19

PREVENT-19 (the PRE-fusion protein subunit Vaccine Efficacy Novavax Trial | 
COVID-19) is a 2:1 randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded trial to 
evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of NVX-CoV2373 with Matrix-M 
adjuvant in 29,960 participants 18 years of age and over in 119 locations in 
the U.S. and Mexico. The primary endpoint for PREVENT-19 was the first 
occurrence of PCR-confirmed symptomatic (mild, moderate, or severe) COVID-19 
with onset at least seven 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. In the 
trial, NVX-CoV2373 achieved 90.4% efficacy overall. 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 ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3674737-1&h=1669937553&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3650790-1%26h%3D2140323749%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 
).

The pediatric expansion of PREVENT-19 is a 2:1 randomized, placebo-controlled, 
observer-blinded trial to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and efficacy of 
NVX-CoV2373 with Matrix-M adjuvant in 2,247 adolescent participants 12 to 17 
years of age in 73 locations in the U.S., compared with placebo. In the 
pediatric trial, the vaccine achieved its primary effectiveness endpoint 
(non-inferiority of the neutralizing antibody response compared to young adult 
participants 18 through 25 years of age from PREVENT-19) and demonstrated 80% 
efficacy overall at a time when the Delta variant of concern was the 
predominant circulating strain in the U.S. Additionally, immune responses were 
about two-to-three-fold higher in adolescents than in adults against all 
variants studied.

About Study 307 (Lot Consistency)

Study 307 (Lot Consistency) evaluated three different lots of the Novavax 
COVID-19 vaccine in approximately 900 adults aged 18 through 49, who received 
an initial primary series of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or other authorized 
or approved vaccines and a subset who had also received a booster shot with an 
authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least six months prior. Participants 
were boosted with a single dose of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. Immunogenicity 
and safety were assessed, along with a comparison of IgG levels based on the 
vaccine that was used for the primary series. The study achieved its primary 
endpoint, showing that three lots of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine tested 
induced consistent immune responses. Further, anti-S IgG titers were within the 
range previously found to correlate with high efficacy in the PREVENT-19 Phase 
3 trial. Safety was also consistent across lots, with no serious related 
treatment-emergent AEs. These findings confirm a consistent vaccine 
manufacturing process.

About the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2373)

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (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. The vaccine 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. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine 
contains purified protein antigen and can neither replicate, nor can it cause 
COVID-19.

The 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 2degrees- 8degrees 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 the vaccine worldwide. Existing authorizations leverage 
Novavax' manufacturing partnership with Serum Institute of India, 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 Matrix-M(TM) Adjuvant

Novavax' patented saponin-based Matrix-M 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. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine 
has received authorization from multiple regulatory authorities globally, 
including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Commission, and 
the World Health Organization. The vaccine is currently under review by 
multiple regulatory agencies worldwide, including for additional populations 
and indications such as adolescents and as a booster. In addition to its 
COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax is also currently evaluating its COVID-19-Influenza 
Combination vaccine candidate in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, its quadrivalent 
influenza investigational vaccine candidate, and an Omicron strain-based 
vaccine (NVX-CoV2515) as well as a bivalent format Omicron-based / original 
strain-based vaccine. These vaccine candidates incorporate Novavax' proprietary 
saponin-based Matrix-M 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 LinkedIn ( 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/novavax/ ).


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, including NVX-CoV2515 and bivalent Omicron-based / 
original strain based vaccine, a COVID-seasonal influenza combination 
investigational vaccine candidate, its quadrivalent 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 use in adults and 
adolescents, and as a booster, the potential impact and reach of Novavax and 
NVX-CoV2373 in addressing vaccine access, controlling the pandemic and 
protecting populations, the efficacy, safety, intended utilization, and 
expected administration 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; unanticipated 
challenges or delays in conducting clinical trials; 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 and subsequent 
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, 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
Erika Schultz | +1 240-268-2022
ir@novavax.com

Media
Ali Chartan or Giovanna Chandler | +1 202-709-5563
media@novavax.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1506866/Novavax_High_Res_Logo.jpg

SOURCE: Novavax, Inc.
Translations

Japanese