Pfizer's Covid-Flu Shot Faces Setback as Competitors Advance
- Pfizer faces setback with its Covid-flu combo shot
- Competitors like Moderna have the opportunity to gain ground
- Epic's UGM meeting is currently ongoing
Pfizer announced on Friday that its experimental messenger RNA-based vaccine, which combines its approved Covid-19 shot with a flu vaccine, has failed to meet a key objective in a phase three trial involving over 8,000 adults. While the vaccine demonstrated a stronger immune response against the influenza A strain compared to a licensed flu vaccine and matched the efficacy of Pfizer's existing Covid-19 vaccine, the trial results raise concerns about the future of the combination shot. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are now considering modifications and will consult with health authorities regarding the next steps. The setback for Pfizer may benefit its competitor, Moderna, which recently reported success in a late-stage trial for its own mRNA-based combination vaccine. This shot showed superior immune responses compared to existing standalone vaccines for both Covid-19 and influenza. Moderna is preparing to seek regulatory approval, aiming for a market entry in 2025. Analysts suggest that Pfizer's failure enhances the likelihood that Moderna's vaccine could become the first commercially available mRNA combination shot. Additionally, the news could be advantageous for Novavax and Sanofi, who are collaborating on developing protein-based combination vaccines for Covid-19 and influenza. As the landscape of vaccine development evolves, these companies may find new opportunities in the wake of Pfizer's trial results. In related news, Epic's annual UGM meeting is currently taking place, focusing on healthcare technology advancements. The company plans to transition all customers to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) by the end of next year, a move expected to enhance the credibility of health data exchanges.