Protein-based COVID-19 Vaccine Gains in Popularity

A U.S.-based biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases recently announced that its protein-based COVID-19 vaccine gained another approval.

Novavax, Inc. confirmed on January 18, 2023, that its partner SK bioscience had received expanded approvals from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KMFDS) for Nuvaxovid™ (NVX-CoV2373) as a protein-based booster for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in adults.

"We are pleased to collaborate with SK bioscience to offer our protein-based vaccine, Nuvaxovid, for use as a booster in adults regardless of previous vaccine history," said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax, in a related press release. 

"This is an important step in ensuring broad access to diversified vaccine options."

The vaccine was created using Novavax' recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike protein and is formulated with Novavax' patented saponin-based Matrix-M™ adjuvant to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies. 

Nuvaxovid contains purified protein antigen and can neither replicate nor can it cause COVID-19.

Novavax' COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized as a booster in more than 35 countries, and several others have policy recommendations allowing the use of the vaccine as a booster dose.

This COVID-19 was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022, but not the Nuvaxovid brand. It is also approved by the European Medicines Agency and European Commission and under the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. CovoVax™ brand.