Novavax jab triggers immune response to Omicron

The Novavax Covid-19 vaccine appears to generate an effective immune response against the Omicron variant, according to preliminary data released by the drugmaker on Wednesday.

The vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization and in the EU, the Philippines and Indonesia, is stored at conventional fridge temperature. It could prove significantly helpful for the Covax vaccine access scheme, which has ordered 1.1bn doses, made in partnership with India’s Serum Institute.

Novavax said early data from its booster and adolescent studies showed “broad cross-reactivity” against Omicron and other circulating variants from two shots, and that responses increased with a third dose six months later. In trials, the shot has shown up to 90.4 per cent efficacy.

The results suggest “that [the vaccine] can play an important role in the ongoing fight against new variants”, said Gregory M Glenn, president of research and development at the company.

He added it “could be necessary” to develop an Omicron-targeted vaccine given the “continued evolution” of the virus, with manufacturing expected to begin in January.

Other studies have shown mRNA boosters can significantly increase antibody response against Omicron compared with that seen after two shots. Several countries have sped up their booster programmes in an attempt to stem the spread of Omicron, though it is not well understood yet how antibody response translates into effectiveness.

While Novavax executives told investors it was difficult to compare immune responses to those generated by other vaccines with different assays, Stanley Erck, the company’s chief executive, said the data were “yet another demonstration of the power of our technology platform”.

Shares spiked 6 per cent after market close in New York after closing 4 per cent lower.

Novavax’s shot is protein based. It is given as two doses 21 days apart, and is stored at conventional fridge temperature. Health authorities have expressed hope its more traditional technology may work to convince vaccine-hesitant individuals to get vaccinated.

The UK, the US and Europe have booked orders for 60m, 110m and up to 200m doses, respectively.