Pfizer and BioNTech Report Positive Results for Combined Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer and BioNTech have reported encouraging results from a combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccine trial. The Phase 1/2 study demonstrated strong immune responses against both viruses. This single injection has the potential to combat two major respiratory diseases. A Phase 3 trial is forthcoming, and the vaccine has received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. FDA.

Pfizer, in collaboration with BioNTech, has revealed promising outcomes from their joint clinical trial of a combined vaccine targeting both influenza and COVID-19. The trial measured the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the combination vaccine candidates among adults aged 18 to 64. This development could pave the way for a single injection to combat two significant respiratory diseases.

The vaccine, tested during its Phase 1/2 study, has shown to elicit strong immune responses against influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2 strains. Notably, the combined flu-COVID vaccine was compared against a licensed influenza vaccine and Pfizer and BioNTech's Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine during the same appointment. The data has been encouraging, indicating its potential in effectively handling the two viruses.

Prof. Ugur Sahin, CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech, stated that the positive results for the combined vaccines confirm their potential, noting: 

“Studies of confirmed viral infections suggest that COVID-19 adopts a seasonal pattern with peaks in fall and winter, similar to other respiratory diseases. Co-infections as well as consecutive respiratory infection during this period can further increase risk of severe illness. Combination vaccines have the potential to become a mainstay of routine vaccination against respiratory diseases, especially for the vaccination of populations who have a higher risk of severe illness.” 

The trial's topline results confirmed that the combined vaccine formulations had a safety profile aligning with the standalone COVID-19 vaccine by the companies. Moreover, immunogenicity results from the Phase 1/2 trial met the criteria applied to regulatory approved vaccines against the respective influenza and SARS-CoV-2 strains.

Dr. Annaliesa Anderson, Senior Vice President and Head of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer, expressed optimism about the findings:  

“We are encouraged by these early results in our Phase 1/2 study of our combination vaccine candidates against influenza and COVID-19. This vaccine has the potential to lessen the impact of two respiratory diseases with a single injection and may simplify immunization practices for providers, patients, and healthcare systems all over the world. mRNA-based vaccines have demonstrated their ability to induce robust antibody and T-cell responses, and we look forward to starting Phase 3 clinical development. Today’s results are an important achievement towards our ambition of providing a broad portfolio of respiratory combination vaccines.”

The duo aims to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 trial soon, with the data from the current trial slated for publication in a reputed peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, the combined vaccine candidate has been fast-tracked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its potential to revolutionize immunization against these respiratory diseases.

About Author: Hüseyin Kandemir

As a medical journalist with over 20 years of experience, I have served as an Editor and Reporter for various magazines, newspapers, and online broadcasting platforms, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence in journalism. My specialization includes medical science, digital health, AI for health, data science, and biotechnology.