• The FDA has asked Novavax to conduct an additional randomized, controlled study of its COVID-19 vaccine NVX-CoV2601 before considering full approval, despite the vaccine having emergency use authorization since 2022.
• Interim results from a phase 2/3 study showed Novavax's updated XBB.1.5 variant vaccine generated 5.8 times higher neutralizing antibody levels compared to the original formulation, with a favorable safety profile.
• The FDA's request represents a significant setback for Novavax, which had expected approval based on prior conversations with regulators and had already passed its April 1 PDUFA date.