University of Oxford

FDA places clinical hold on Novavax's COVID-19-Influenza Combination and stand-alone influenza vaccine candidates due to a serious adverse event reported in a Phase 2 trial participant. Novavax is working with the FDA to resolve the hold and prioritize safety.

Clinical trial reporting rates have improved, with 83.4% of EU trials and 77.4% of US trials meeting deadlines, though compliance varies by country. Efforts to enhance transparency include fines and public pressure, aiming to ensure all trial results are published, regardless of outcome.

240 participants in Kenya will test ChAdOx1 RVF, a promising Rift Valley fever vaccine developed on the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine platform. The trial aims to assess safety and immune response, as no vaccines are currently available for human use. The vaccine has shown positive results in initial UK trials and potential protection in livestock, supported by WHO and Africa CDC. Funding is provided by CEPI's partnership with the University of Oxford.

Anti-obesity drugs show no increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in adolescents, with a 33% lower likelihood of suicidal behavior compared to lifestyle interventions, though caution is advised in interpreting results.

CEPI plans to start Phase II trials of a Rift Valley fever vaccine in Kenya, following successful Phase I results in the UK. The trials, led by the University of Oxford and KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, will involve 240 healthy adults to assess safety and efficacy. The vaccine, ChAdOx1 RVF, uses the same platform as the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and has shown promise in both human and livestock protection.

Oxford University Hospitals receives £1m from NIHR for new research facilities, equipment, and expansion of clinical trials capacity.

Novavax's updated Nuvaxovid COVID-19 Vaccine (NVX-CoV2705) received EU Marketing Authorization for individuals aged 12 and older, based on cross-reactivity data against JN.1 lineage viruses. The vaccine is also authorized for use in the U.S. and aligns with FDA, EMA, and WHO guidance targeting the JN.1 variant.