The company aims to treat respiratory infections, which represent a major public health problem
Moderna announced this Tuesday that is expanding its mRNA product portfolio with two new development programs: a combined respiratory vaccine candidate (SARS-CoV-2, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus) and another against four human coronaviruses known endemics (HCoV).
First, the vaccine to attack three of the most significant viruses that cause respiratory diseases in older adults, currently known as mRNA-1230, is planned as annual booster dose against SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV.
Second, Moderna is launching a program to develop a vaccine candidate (mRNA-1287) against endemic human coronaviruses (HCoV). Although less well known than other coronaviruses, HCoVs are a major cause of respiratory illness worldwide.
Four HCoVs (HCoV-229E, -NL63, -OC43, and -HKU1) are endemic throughout the world, accounting for approximately 10% to 30% of upper respiratory tract infections in adults.
For respiratory infections
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“We are pleased to add a combined respiratory vaccine candidate against three of the leading causes of respiratory illness in older adults, and a vaccine against the four endemic human coronaviruses as part of our strategy to address the significant global burden of respiratory infections. Our objective is develop vaccines to deal with respiratory infections and eventually combine many of them into a single annual booster shot with the goal of reducing the significant morbidity and mortality caused by these viruses,” said Moderna President Stephen Hoge.
Respiratory tract infections are a major public health problem, and these development programs target the main causative agents. Coronaviruses, seasonal flu and RSV have a considerable cost for human health, especially among the elderly, who experience a more severe disease and higher mortality than younger.