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Thursday, October 20 2022 - 03:51
AsiaNet
U.S. FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted as a Booster for Adults
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a biotechnology company dedicated to developing 
and commercializing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, 
today announced that the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (NVX-CoV2373) has 
received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) to provide a first booster dose at least six months after 
completion of primary vaccination with an authorized or approved COVID-19 
vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older for whom an FDA-authorized 
mRNA bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine is not accessible or clinically 
appropriate, and to individuals 18 years of age and older who elect to receive 
the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted because they would otherwise not 
receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

"The U.S. now has access to the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted, the first 
protein-based option, as a booster," said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, Novavax. "According to CDC data, almost 50 percent of adults 
who received their primary series have yet to receive their first booster dose. 
Offering another vaccine choice may help increase COVID-19 booster vaccination 
rates for these adults."

The FDA EUA decision was based on data from the Phase 3 Prevent-19 clinical 
trial and from the U.K.-sponsored COV-BOOST trial. In the Phase 3 trial, a 
single booster dose of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted was 
administered to healthy adult participants aged 18 and older approximately 
eight or 11 months after their primary series. Following a booster dose, 
antibody levels increased significantly relative to pre-boost levels, rising 
above levels associated with protection in the Phase 3 trials. Neutralizing 
antibodies also increased by 34- to 27-fold compared to pre-boost levels when 
boosted at eight or 11 months. In the COV-BOOST trial, the Novavax COVID-19 
Vaccine, Adjuvanted increased antibody titers when used as a third dose 
following initial dosing with another authorized COVID-19 vaccine (heterologous 
boosting).

In the trial, following the booster, local and systemic reactions had a median 
duration of approximately two days. The incidence of Grade 3 or higher events 
remained relatively low. Safety reporting of reactogenicity events showed an 
increasing incidence across all three doses of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, 
Adjuvanted, often seen with increased immunogenicity. Among participants 18 
years of age and older, solicited adverse reactions following administration of 
a booster dose of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted were injection site 
pain/tenderness (81.1%), fatigue/malaise (63.4%), muscle pain (63.0%), headache 
(52.9%), joint pain (30.3%), nausea/vomiting (14.7%), injection site swelling 
(8.4%), injection site redness (6.3%), and fever (6.3%).

The next step for the vaccine is a policy recommendation for use as a first 
booster from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Doses( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=566287261&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-07-11-U-S-Government-Secures-3-2-Million-Doses-of-Novavax-COVID-19-Vaccine&a=Doses 
) of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted are available for use in the U.S. 
pending this final step and can be located on Vaccines.gov.

Novavax' vaccine is also available for use as a booster in adults aged 18 and 
older in the European Union( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=3154338583&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-09-12-Novavax-Nuvaxovid-TM-COVID-19-Vaccine-Granted-Expanded-Conditional-Marketing-Authorization-in-the-European-Union-for-Use-as-a-Booster-for-Adults-Aged-18-and-Older&a=European+Union 
), Japan( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=2326328135&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-04-19-Novavax-Announces-Approval-of-Nuvaxovid-TM-COVID-19-Vaccine-for-Primary-and-Booster-Immunization-in-Japan&a=Japan 
), Australia( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=3828117475&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-06-13-Novavax-COVID-19-Vaccine-Nuvaxovid-TM-Provisionally-Registered-in-Australia-as-a-Booster-in-Individuals-Aged-18-and-Over&a=Australia 
), New Zealand( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=712007504&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-08-17-Novavax-Nuvaxovid-TM-COVID-19-Vaccine-Granted-Expanded-Provisional-Approval-in-New-Zealand-as-a-First-and-Second-Booster-for-Adults&a=New+Zealand 
), Switzerland( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=4121652164&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-09-02-Swissmedic-Authorizes-Novavax-Nuvaxovid-TM-COVID-19-Vaccine-for-Adolescents-Aged-12-Through-17-and-as-a-Booster-in-Adults-Aged-18-and-Older&a=Switzerland 
), and Israel( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=885215298&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-09-16-Novavax-Nuvaxovid-TM-COVID-19-Vaccine-Now-Available-in-Israel-for-Individuals-Aged-12-and-Older&a=Israel 
). In addition, a number of countries have policy recommendations allowing use 
of the vaccine as a heterologous or homologous booster dose. In the U.S., the 
FDA granted EUA for a two-dose primary series in adults aged 18 and older in 
July( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=4139399625&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-07-13-U-S-FDA-Grants-Emergency-Use-Authorization-for-Novavax-COVID-19-Vaccine%2C-Adjuvanted-for-Individuals-Aged-18-and-Over&a=July 
) and for adolescents aged 12 through 17 in August( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=4288248575&u=https%3A%2F%2Fir.novavax.com%2F2022-08-19-U-S-FDA-Grants-Emergency-Use-Authorization-for-Novavax-COVID-19-Vaccine%2C-Adjuvanted-for-Adolescents-Aged-12-Through-17&a=August 
). Following these EUA's, the CDC recommended the vaccine for use as a primary 
series for both age groups.

This project has been supported in part with federal funds from the Department 
of Health and Human Services (HHS); the Administration for Strategic 
Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development 
Authority (BARDA), through the Department of Defense Joint Program Executive 
Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) 
under contract number MCDC2011-001.

Use of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted in the U.S.
The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted vaccine has not been approved or 
licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but has been authorized 
for emergency use by FDA, under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to prevent 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a primary series individuals 12 years of 
age and older. The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted vaccine is also 
authorized to provide a first booster dose at least 6 months after completion 
of primary vaccination with an authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine to 
individuals 18 years of age and older for whom an FDA-authorized mRNA bivalent 
COVID-19 booster vaccine is not accessible or clinically appropriate, and to 
individuals 18 years of age and older who elect to receive the Novavax COVID-19 
Vaccine, Adjuvanted because they would otherwise not receive a booster dose of 
a COVID-19 vaccine.

The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the 
declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency 
use of the medical product under Section 564(b)(1) of the FD&C Act unless the 
declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner.

Authorized Use

The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted is authorized for use under an 
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to provide a two-dose primary series for 
active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by 
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 12 
years of age and older. The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted vaccine is 
also authorized to provide a first booster dose at least 6 months after 
completion of primary vaccination with an authorized or approved COVID-19 
vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older for whom an FDA-authorized 
mRNA bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine is not accessible or clinically 
appropriate, and to individuals 18 years of age and older who elect to receive 
the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted because they would otherwise not 
receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications

Do not administer the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted to individuals with 
a known history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any 
component of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted.

Warnings and Precautions

Management of Acute Allergic Reactions: Appropriate medical treatment to manage 
immediate allergic reactions must be immediately available in the event an 
acute anaphylactic reaction occurs following administration of the Novavax 
COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted. Monitor the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted 
recipients for the occurrence of immediate adverse reactions according to the 
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention guidelines( 
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/managing-anaphylaxis.html 
).
Myocarditis and Pericarditis: Clinical trials data provide evidence for 
increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of the 
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (see Full EUA Prescribing Information). 
The CDC has published considerations related to myocarditis and pericarditis 
after vaccination, including for vaccination of individuals with a history of 
myocarditis or pericarditis ( 
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#myocarditis-pericarditis 
).
Syncope (fainting): May occur in association with administration of injectable 
vaccines. Procedures should be in place to avoid injury from fainting.
Altered Immunocompetence: Immunocompromised persons, including individuals 
receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have a diminished immune response to 
the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted.
Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness: The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted 
may not protect all vaccine recipients.

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions reported in clinical trials following administration of the 
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted include injection site pain/tenderness, 
fatigue/malaise, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, nausea/vomiting, injection 
site redness, injection site swelling, fever, chills, injection site pruritus, 
hypersensitivity reactions, lymphadenopathy-related reactions, myocarditis, and 
pericarditis.

Myocarditis, pericarditis, anaphylaxis, paresthesia, and hypoesthesia have been 
reported following administration of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted 
outside of clinical trials.

Additional adverse reactions, some of which may be serious, may become apparent 
with more widespread use of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted.

Reporting Adverse Events and Vaccine Administration Errors
The vaccination provider enrolled in the federal COVID-19 Vaccination Program 
is responsible for mandatory reporting of the following to the Vaccine Adverse 
Event Reporting System (VAERS):
  --vaccine administration errors whether or not associated with an adverse 
    event,
  --serious adverse events (irrespective of attribution to vaccination),
  --cases of myocarditis,
  --cases of pericarditis,
  --cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS), in adults and children, 
    and
  --cases of COVID-19 that results in hospitalization or death.

Complete and submit reports to VAERS online: For further assistance with 
reporting to VAERS, call 1-800-822-7967. The reports should include the words 
"Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted EUA" in the description section of the 
report.

To the extent feasible, report adverse events to Novavax, Inc. using the 
following contact information or by providing a copy of the VAERS form to 
Novavax, Inc. Website: www.NovavaxMedInfo.com, Fax Number: 1-888-988-8809, 
Telephone Number: 1-844-NOVAVAX (1-844-668-2829).

Please click to see the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted Fact Sheet for 
Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) and EUA Full 
Prescribing Information.( https://www.fda.gov/media/159897/download )

Please click to see the Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3682846-1&h=2468744898&u=https%3A%2F%2Fnovavax.widen.net%2Fs%2Fx5p5tqsdgw%2Fus-eua-fact-sheet-recipients&a=Fact+Sheet+for+Recipients+and+Caregivers 
).

About NVX-CoV2373 (Novavax' COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted)

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. NVX-CoV2373 contains purified protein antigen and can neither 
replicate, nor can it cause COVID-19.

NVX-CoV2373 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. 

The PREVENT-19 trial of NVX-CoV2373 is being conducted with support from the 
U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, BARDA, part of the 
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the National 
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes 
of Health at HHS. BARDA is providing up to $1.75 billion under a 
Department of Defense agreement (number MCDC2011-001). JPEO-CBRND is also 
providing funding of up to $45.7 million under a separate agreement. To date, 
the U.S. government has agreed to order 3.2 million doses of NVX-CoV2373 under 
these existing agreements. Novavax and the U.S. government will determine the 
timing, pricing, and amounts for delivery of any additional NVX-CoV2373 doses. 
Novavax intends to pursue additional U.S. procurement of both NVX-CoV2373 doses 
and other potential formulations.  

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, the world's 
largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. They are being 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. FDA, 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 (CIC) 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 potential for subsequent orders from the U.S. 
government for additional doses of NVX-CoV2373 and other potential 
formulations, the timing of clinical trial results, the ongoing development of 
NVX-CoV2373,  NVX-CoV2515 and bivalent Omicron-based / original strain based 
vaccine, a CIC investigational vaccine candidate, the scope, timing and outcome 
of future regulatory filings and actions, including potential recommendations 
and authorizations from the CDC, 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 evolving COVID-19 pandemic, 
the potential impact and reach of Novavax and NVX-CoV2373 in addressing vaccine 
access, controlling the pandemic and protecting populations, the efficacy, 
safety and 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; unanticipated 
challenges or delays in conducting clinical trials; 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 | 240-268-2022
ir@novavax.com

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

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

SOURCE: Novavax, Inc.
 

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