Pfizer and BioNTech’s dual vaccine triumphs in early study, following Moderna’s lead

USA — Pfizer and BioNTech have recently unveiled promising results from their joint endeavor, a combined COVID-19 and influenza vaccine, in a Phase 1/2 study involving healthy adults aged 18 to 64.

The findings showed “robust” immune responses against various flu and COVID-19 strains, with a side effect profile akin to the existing COVID vaccine, a significant development in the race for effective combination vaccines.

Following these encouraging outcomes, the two pharmaceutical giants are gearing up to advance their vaccine into a Phase 3 trial, set to commence in the coming months.

Their competitor, Moderna, which had already claimed success with its own combination shot earlier in the month, dosed its first Phase 3 patient on October 24 and aims to bring its product to the market in 2025.

With the COVID-19 pandemic gradually waning in public consciousness and vaccine skepticism being fueled by prominent figures, vaccine manufacturers are striving to safeguard their sales.

The path forward seems to lie in combination vaccines, capitalizing on the public’s familiarity with annual flu vaccinations, which are generally well-accepted.

Both COVID-19 and flu tend to peak during the fall and winter seasons, making a dual-purpose vaccine a logical and timely development.

The concept of combination vaccines is not new; childhood vaccination schedules include shots that protect against multiple diseases, such as tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis, as well as vaccines against mumps, measles, and rubella.

Pfizer has already taken steps to promote the idea of simultaneous flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, enlisting Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce for a “Two Things At Once” advertising campaign.

The Centers for Disease Control and Administration’s website also underscores the safety and convenience of receiving both vaccines in a single appointment.

Despite these efforts, early indications this fall suggest that Americans are more inclined to receive a flu shot than a COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently, Moderna is adhering to a revenue estimate of US$6 billion to US$8 billion from its COVID-19 vaccine for the year, a decrease from the approximately US$18.4 billion in sales it achieved last year.

In contrast, Pfizer reported a substantial decline in sales of its Comirnaty COVID-19 shot in the second quarter, falling from US$8.8 billion a year earlier to US$1.5 billion.

Additionally, Pfizer is experiencing reduced demand for its Paxlovid COVID-19 treatment, prompting the company to revise its overall revenue forecast for the year downward by US$9 billion.

In response, Pfizer is preparing to implement cost-cutting measures and staff reductions to adapt to these changing dynamics in the market.

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