Europe—not US—first to authorize Moderna's combo mRNA flu-COVID vaccine
Moderna's mRNA-based combination vaccine against both flu and COVID-19 has gotten the green light in Europe-but it continues to be shelved in the US, where it was developed.
This week, the European Commission authorized Moderna to market the vaccine, mRNA-1083 or mCOMBRIAX, making it the world's first authorized combination shot for the two respiratory viruses. The decision follows a positive review in February from a key European Medicines Agency's committee, which paved the way for the approval.
Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel welcomed the news. "By combining protection against two significant respiratory viruses in a single dose, our vaccine aims to simplify immunization for adults, particularly those at high risk," Bancel said in a press release. "mCOMBRIAX offers an important new option for Europeans, while also aiming to strengthen the resilience of healthcare systems across Europe."