What to Know About Novavax and Covid-19

Novavax and COVID-19

Over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a worldwide epidemiology and vaccine development response. Novavax is one of the top biotech companies involved in COVID-19 vaccine development and research. 

Novavax developed one authorized COVID-19 vaccine, has one Omicron variant booster vaccine in the preclinical stage, and a combination COVID-19 and flu vaccine in trial.

About Novavax  

Novavax is a Maryland-based biotechnology company that investigates and counters serious infectious diseases through vaccine creation and development. Novavax was originally founded in 1987 and, since its inception, has been home to scientists who have developed experimental vaccines for Ebola, Influenza, and other respiratory viruses.

Novavax aims to re-envision how to approach infectious disease research, vaccine development, and treatment through innovative biotechnology. Their experts also provide insights and informational articles on the general clinical trial process for vaccines, the importance of boosters, and demonstrate commitment to accessible vaccines and health care. 

Novavax lists seven disease areas of research: 

• COVID-19
• SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)
• Seasonal Influenza
• Malaria
• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
• Ebola
• MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome)

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccination 

Currently, Novavax has one authorized COVID-19 vaccine sold under the brand names Nuvaxovid and Covovax. It is the fourth vaccine developed against covid-19, along with the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and the Johnson and Johnson single-dose. The booster vaccine and combination vaccine have yet to be approved.

In February 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) started its review of the Nuvaxovid vaccine, which was followed by conditional marketing authorization across the European Union in December of 2021. In the United States, Nuvaxovid received Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval and recommendation for emergency use authorization for people ages 18 and older on June 6, 2022.  

With the FDA emergency authorization of the Nuvaxovid vaccine, the new option has promised to be available for market use as the fourth approved vaccination very soon. Nevertheless, there are some key differences between the Novavax, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson options. 

1. Novavax contains the coronavirus spike proteins, unlike the mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna) options that contain a genetic code to create similar, but not identical proteins. It's important to note that using proteins in vaccines is a safe and effective process that has been used in other vaccines such as hepatitis b, diphtheria and tetanus. 
2. Similar phase by phase development process and six-month timeframe as traditional influenza vaccinations. 
3. Can be used for people allergic to mRNA components