Sanofi Acquires Market Authorization for Nuvaxovid COVID-19 Vaccine in Canada
Key Insights
Sanofi has become the market authorization holder for Nuvaxovid, a non-mRNA protein-based COVID-19 (search) vaccine in Canada, following a strategic agreement with Novavax signed in May 2024.
The vaccine will be available for the fall 2026-2027 season and is approved for individuals 12 years and older, demonstrating approximately 90% efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 (search).
Despite ongoing COVID-19 (search) health burden with over 120,718 confirmed cases and 2,300 deaths in Canada during 2024-2025, 73.9% of Canadian adults did not receive vaccination.
Sanofi announced on April 9, 2026, that it has become the market authorization holder in Canada for Nuvaxovid, a non-mRNA protein-based COVID-19 (search) vaccine. The transfer of authorization from Novavax follows a strategic agreement signed between the two companies in May 2024, with Sanofi planning to make the vaccine available for the fall 2026-2027 season.
Expanding Vaccine Options for Canadians
"With the launch of Nuvaxovid, a non-mRNA protein-based COVID-19 (search) vaccine, Sanofi is now able to offer Canadians greater choice when it comes to COVID-19 protection," said Delphine Lansac, General Manager, Canada, Vaccines at Sanofi. "The availability of Nuvaxovid means that every Canadian will have the opportunity to access their personal COVID-19 vaccine choice."
Nuvaxovid is approved for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 (search) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (search) in individuals 12 years of age and older. The vaccine utilizes a well-established protein-based technology platform and has demonstrated efficacy of approximately 90% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 based on pivotal phase 3 clinical studies. The vaccine has also shown a favorable tolerability profile suitable for seasonal vaccination.
Addressing Ongoing COVID-19 Burden
COVID-19 (search) continues to represent a significant health challenge in Canada. During the fall-winter 2024-2025 season, Canada experienced over 120,718 confirmed COVID-19 cases, more than 33,500 hospitalizations, 469 COVID-19 associated ICU admissions and over 2,300 COVID-19 deaths. The disease not only causes immediate health impacts but also increases the long-term risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes.
Despite these ongoing risks, 73.9% of Canadian adults did not receive the vaccine in 2024-2025, leaving a substantial portion of the population vulnerable to severe COVID-19 (search) outcomes. Expanding vaccine options may help address vaccine confidence and improve uptake, ultimately reducing the burden of COVID-19 on individuals and the Canadian healthcare system.
Sanofi's Role and Responsibilities
As the new global market authorization holder, Sanofi will oversee the production, distribution, and safety monitoring of the vaccine. The company is actively preparing to meet anticipated demand in Canada for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season, working to ensure patients have access to this unique protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 (search) vaccine as part of its expanding respiratory vaccine offerings.
Provincial and territorial availability will be confirmed pending ongoing discussions and provincial assessments. The transfer underscores Sanofi's commitment to public health and vaccine innovation in Canada, representing another step in the company's commitment to building a diverse portfolio of best-in-class vaccines and addressing respiratory diseases for Canadians across their lifespan.