Moderna Announces New Development Programs Ahead of 3rd Annual Vaccines Day

Rhea-AI Summary

Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced the launch of two new vaccine development programs. The first is mRNA-1230, a combination respiratory vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV aimed at older adults. The second is mRNA-1287, a vaccine against four endemic human coronaviruses, which account for 10% to 30% of upper respiratory infections in adults. Moderna aims to address the global burden of respiratory diseases, particularly for older populations. This news underscores Moderna's commitment to expanding its mRNA portfolio and enhancing public health.

Positive

• Launch of mRNA-1230 targeting SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV.
• Development of mRNA-1287 for endemic human coronaviruses could capture significant market.
• Focus on addressing major respiratory disease burdens, particularly in older adults.

Negative

• None.

mRNA-1230 is a combination respiratory vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 virus, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

mRNA-1287 is a vaccine candidate against the four endemic human coronaviruses (HCoV-229E, -NL63, -OC43 and -HKU1)

CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 22, 2022 / Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA), a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, today announced that it is expanding its mRNA pipeline with two new development programs. This announcement reflects the Company's commitment to expanding its portfolio by building on Moderna's experience with Spikevax®, its COVID-19 vaccine. The development programs include a combination respiratory vaccine candidate and a new program against all four of the endemic human coronaviruses (HCoV).

First, as part of Moderna's approach to advance a portfolio of respiratory candidates, it is launching a respiratory combination vaccine program to target three of the most significant viruses causing respiratory disease in older adults. The new combination respiratory vaccine candidate (mRNA-1230) is envisioned as an annual booster targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Second, Moderna is introducing a program to develop a vaccine candidate (mRNA-1287) against endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs). While less-well known than other coronaviruses, HCoVs are a significant cause of respiratory disease worldwide. Four HCoVs (HCoV-229E, -NL63, -OC43, and -HKU1) are endemic globally, accounting for approximately 10% to 30% of upper respiratory tract infections in adults.

"We are pleased to add a combination respiratory vaccine candidate against three of the leading causes of respiratory disease in older adults, and a vaccine against all four of the endemic human coronaviruses as part of our strategy to address the substantial global burden of respiratory infections," said Stephen Hoge, M.D., President of Moderna. "Our goal is to develop vaccines to address respiratory infections, and eventually combine many into a single annual booster vaccine with the aim of reducing the significant morbidity and mortality caused by these viruses."

Respiratory tract infections are a major public health problem, and these development programs are aimed at the major causative agents. Coronaviruses, seasonal influenza, and RSV take a substantial toll on human health, particularly among older adults who experience more severe illness and greater mortality than younger adults.

About Moderna

In over 10 years since its inception, Moderna has transformed from a research-stage company advancing programs in the field of messenger RNA (mRNA), to an enterprise with a diverse clinical portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics across seven modalities, a broad intellectual property portfolio in areas including mRNA and lipid nanoparticle formulation, and an integrated manufacturing plant that allows for rapid clinical and commercial production at scale. Moderna maintains alliances with a broad range of domestic and overseas government and commercial collaborators, which has allowed for the pursuit of both groundbreaking science and rapid scaling of manufacturing. Most recently, Moderna's capabilities have come together to allow the authorized use and approval of one of the earliest and most effective vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moderna's mRNA platform builds on continuous advances in basic and applied mRNA science, delivery technology and manufacturing, and has allowed the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases and auto-immune diseases. Moderna has been named a top biopharmaceutical employer by Science for the past seven years. To learn more, visit www.modernatx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including regarding: the Company's development of a pan-respiratory vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 virus, influenza and RSV; the Company's development of a vaccine candidate against endemic human coronaviruses; and the potential of the Company's mRNA technology to address the global burden caused by respiratory infections. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond Moderna's control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include those other risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in Moderna's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in subsequent filings made by Moderna with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, Moderna disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on Moderna's current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.

Moderna Contacts

Media:

Mary Beth Woodin
Senior Director, Communications
617-899-3991
Mary.BethWoodin@modernatx.com

Investors:

Lavina Talukdar
Senior Vice President & Head of Investor Relations 617-209-5834
Lavina.Talukdar@modernatx.com

SOURCE: Moderna, Inc.

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https://www.accesswire.com/693882/Moderna-Announces-New-Development-Programs-Ahead-of-3rd-Annual-Vaccines-Day

FAQ

What new vaccine candidates has Moderna introduced on March 22, 2022?

Moderna introduced mRNA-1230, a combination vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, and mRNA-1287, aimed at four endemic human coronaviruses.

How does mRNA-1230 benefit older adults?

mRNA-1230 is designed as an annual booster to protect older adults from SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, which cause severe respiratory illnesses.

What is the significance of the mRNA-1287 vaccine?

mRNA-1287 targets four endemic coronaviruses, addressing a significant cause of upper respiratory infections globally.

Why is Moderna expanding its mRNA pipeline?

Moderna is expanding its mRNA pipeline to enhance its portfolio and address the substantial global burden of respiratory diseases.

What health problems do respiratory viruses cause in older adults?

Respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV lead to severe illness and higher mortality rates among older adults.