The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has given the green light to Moderna, Inc.’s updated COVID-19 vaccine, specifically targeting the Omicron variant (JN.1). This approval paves the way for the vaccine’s inclusion in the NHS autumn vaccination program, prioritizing individuals most susceptible to severe COVID-19 complications.
Marking a significant milestone, the UK will be the first to offer the updated vaccine, known as Spikevax JN.1, for private purchase. This option will be available to those who don’t qualify for the NHS program, accessible through high street pharmacies, occupational health providers, and private healthcare companies.
This approval follows a similar decision in Taiwan, where the Food & Drug Administration approved the updated Spikevax formulation for individuals aged six months and older.
The US FDA has also granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, incorporating a monovalent component targeting the Omicron variant (KP.2 strain). Both Moderna and Pfizer Inc/BioNTech SE have received approval for their updated vaccines.
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna’s mRESVIA (mRNA-1345), an mRNA respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, was approved by the European Commission in August. This vaccine aims to protect adults aged 60 and older against lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV infection.
On Tuesday, MRNA stock closed at $73.89, down 4.54%.
