On the 31st (local time), the American pharmaceutical company Moderna announced that it has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of its next-generation COVID-19 vaccine for the elderly and individuals with underlying conditions.
According to Reuters, the FDA has approved Moderna's newly developed messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine "mNEXSPIKE" for use in individuals aged 12 to 64 who have at least one underlying condition as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in the elderly aged 65 and over.
Following the FDA's approval, Moderna stated it plans to prepare to distribute the vaccine in line with the respiratory virus outbreak seasons this year and next year.
This FDA approval of the Moderna vaccine is the first since U.S. health authorities strengthened regulations around vaccine approvals. The FDA announced last week a plan to limit COVID-19 vaccinations to those aged 65 and over or those with underlying conditions.
The newly approved Moderna vaccine reportedly showed higher preventive efficacy in adults aged 18 and over compared to Moderna's existing mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, during clinical trials.
Additionally, as it can be stored in refrigeration rather than freezing, the vaccine can be smoothly supplied in places lacking a cold chain distribution system, such as developing countries.