Novavax has received the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to resume clinical trials for its combination COVID-19-flu vaccine and its standalone flu vaccine. The FDA had previously placed a clinical hold on the trials following a report of a serious adverse event (SAE) in a Phase 2 trial participant. The resumption of these trials marks a significant step forward for Novavax in its efforts to develop innovative vaccine solutions.
The clinical hold was initiated last month after the FDA received a report of a participant experiencing a "spontaneous report of a serious adverse event (SAE) of motor neuropathy" after receiving the vaccine in January 2023. In response, the FDA requested additional information to assess the potential link between the vaccine and the adverse event.
Novavax provided the requested data to the FDA, which supported the company's contention that the vaccine was not the cause of the motor neuropathy. According to Dr. Robert Walker, Novavax's Chief Medical Officer, the data revealed a change in the event's term to a condition that was not related to the vaccine. This determination led the FDA to lift the clinical hold, allowing Novavax to proceed with its clinical development program.
Planned Phase 3 Trial
With the clinical hold lifted, Novavax is now preparing to initiate its Phase 3 trial for the combination COVID-19-flu vaccine and the standalone flu vaccine. The company aims to begin enrolling participants in the trial as soon as possible. The Phase 3 trial is a crucial step in the regulatory approval process, as it will assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccines in a larger population.
Market Response
The news of the FDA's decision to lift the clinical hold has been well-received by investors. Shares of Novavax rose 1% following the announcement and are up nearly 90% year-to-date. This positive market response reflects confidence in Novavax's ability to develop and commercialize innovative vaccines.
