- Nuvaxovid™ is the only recombinant protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S.
- Biologics License Application approval triggers $175 million Sanofi milestone payment, with additional COVID-19 vaccine milestones and ongoing tiered royalties to be recognized when earned
GAITHERSBURG, MD, USA I May 19, 2025 I Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for Nuvaxovid™ for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in adults 65 years and older and individuals 12 through 64 years who have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 (e.g. asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity, smoking).1 Achievement of the U.S. license approval has triggered a $175 million milestone payment from Sanofi.
“Today’s approval solidifies a pathway for Americans aged 65 and older and those aged 12 through 64 with an underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 to have access to a protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine,” said John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. “Market research and U.S. CDC statistics indicate that older individuals and those with underlying conditions are the populations most likely to seek out COVID-19 vaccination seasonally. This significant milestone demonstrates our commitment to these populations and is a significant step towards availability of our protein-based vaccine option.”
The approval triggers a $175 million milestone payment under the collaboration and license agreement between Novavax and Sanofi signed in May 2024. The agreement has layers of value for Novavax. Sanofi is leading on commercialization efforts starting this year and Novavax is eligible to receive ongoing tiered royalties from stand-alone COVID-19 vaccine sales for all future vaccination seasons.
The BLA approval was based on pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial data that showed Nuvaxovid was safe and effective for the prevention of COVID-19.2,3 In addition, the FDA has requested a new postmarketing commitment (PMC) to conduct a Phase 4 prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety trial in individuals aged 50 through 64 without high-risk conditions for severe COVID-19. Novavax is working closely with Sanofi to assess funding and execution of this new trial. This PMC supplements previously agreed upon postmarketing requirements and commitments which have been commonly required for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers.
Novavax expects to be ready for the commercial delivery of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine formula in the U.S. this fall in partnership with Sanofi, pending strain recommendation at the FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting on May 22, 2025.
Nuvaxovid has been available for use in the U.S. under Emergency Use Authorization since July 2022 and has full market approvals in the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia, Taiwan and Singapore.
VACCINE AUTHORIZATION (U.S.)
Nuvaxovid is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in adults 65 years and older and individuals 12 through 64 years who have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Contraindications
- Do not administer Nuvaxovid to individuals with a known history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of Nuvaxovid or to individuals who had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) following a previous dose of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted.
Warnings and Precautions
- Management of Acute Allergic Reactions: Appropriate medical treatment must be immediately available to manage potential anaphylactic reactions following administration of Nuvaxovid.
- Myocarditis and Pericarditis: Clinical trials data provide evidence for increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of Nuvaxovid. There have been post-marketing reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published considerations related to myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination, including for vaccination of individuals with a history of myocarditis or pericarditis(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/myocarditis.html).
- Syncope (fainting): Syncope (fainting) may occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including Nuvaxovid. Procedures should be in place to avoid injury from fainting.
- Altered Immunocompetence: Immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to Nuvaxovid.
- Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness: Nuvaxovid may not protect all vaccine recipients.
Adverse Reactions
Solicited adverse reactions included: Injection site tenderness, injection site pain, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, malaise, joint pain, fever, nausea/vomiting and injection site redness.
To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Novavax, Inc. at 1-844-668-2829 or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 or https://vaers.hhs.gov.
About Nuvaxovid™
Nuvaxovid (NVX-CoV2705) is an updated version of Novavax’s prototype COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) formulated to target the JN.1 variant. It is a protein-based vaccine made by creating copies of the surface spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. With Novavax’s unique recombinant nanoparticle technology, the non-infectious spike protein serves as the antigen that primes the immune system to recognize the virus, while Novavax’s Matrix-M® adjuvant enhances and broadens the immune response. The vaccine is packaged as a ready-to-use liquid formulation and is stored at 2° to 8°C, enabling the use of existing vaccine supply and cold chain channels.
About Matrix-M® Adjuvant
Matrix-M is Novavax’s proprietary adjuvant that can be added to a vaccine or medicine to stimulate a stronger immune response and is currently used in globally approved vaccines. It is clinically proven to induce potent, durable and broad immune responses with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile and allows use of a lower dose of antigen that is still effective.4 Matrix-M is sustainably harvested and manufactured and has the potential to enhance existing and new vaccines. When combined with the Company’s recombinant, protein-based nanoparticles, this technology platform is the basis of Novavax’s expanding pipeline.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) tackles some of the world’s most pressing health challenges with its scientific expertise in vaccines and its proven technology platform, including protein-based nanoparticles and its Matrix-M adjuvant. The Company’s growth strategy seeks to optimize its existing partnerships and expand access to its proven technology platform via research and development innovation, organic portfolio expansion in infectious disease and beyond, and forging new partnerships and collaborations with other companies. Please visit novavax.com and LinkedIn for more information.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html. Accessed online May 18, 2025.
- Dunkle LM. et al; 2019nCoV-301 Study Group. Efficacy and safety of NVX-CoV2373 in adults in the United States and Mexico. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;386(6):531-543. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2116185.
- Áñez G. et al. Safety, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of the NVX-CoV2373 COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(4):e239135. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.9135.
- Stertman L. et al.; The Matrix-M™ adjuvant: A critical component of vaccines for the 21st century. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2023 Dec 31;19(1):2189885. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2189885.
SOURCE: Novavax
Post Views: 2,487
- Nuvaxovid™ is the only recombinant protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S.
- Biologics License Application approval triggers $175 million Sanofi milestone payment, with additional COVID-19 vaccine milestones and ongoing tiered royalties to be recognized when earned
GAITHERSBURG, MD, USA I May 19, 2025 I Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for Nuvaxovid™ for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in adults 65 years and older and individuals 12 through 64 years who have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 (e.g. asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity, smoking).1 Achievement of the U.S. license approval has triggered a $175 million milestone payment from Sanofi.
“Today’s approval solidifies a pathway for Americans aged 65 and older and those aged 12 through 64 with an underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 to have access to a protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine,” said John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. “Market research and U.S. CDC statistics indicate that older individuals and those with underlying conditions are the populations most likely to seek out COVID-19 vaccination seasonally. This significant milestone demonstrates our commitment to these populations and is a significant step towards availability of our protein-based vaccine option.”
The approval triggers a $175 million milestone payment under the collaboration and license agreement between Novavax and Sanofi signed in May 2024. The agreement has layers of value for Novavax. Sanofi is leading on commercialization efforts starting this year and Novavax is eligible to receive ongoing tiered royalties from stand-alone COVID-19 vaccine sales for all future vaccination seasons.
The BLA approval was based on pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial data that showed Nuvaxovid was safe and effective for the prevention of COVID-19.2,3 In addition, the FDA has requested a new postmarketing commitment (PMC) to conduct a Phase 4 prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety trial in individuals aged 50 through 64 without high-risk conditions for severe COVID-19. Novavax is working closely with Sanofi to assess funding and execution of this new trial. This PMC supplements previously agreed upon postmarketing requirements and commitments which have been commonly required for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers.
Novavax expects to be ready for the commercial delivery of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine formula in the U.S. this fall in partnership with Sanofi, pending strain recommendation at the FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting on May 22, 2025.
Nuvaxovid has been available for use in the U.S. under Emergency Use Authorization since July 2022 and has full market approvals in the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia, Taiwan and Singapore.
VACCINE AUTHORIZATION (U.S.)
Nuvaxovid is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in adults 65 years and older and individuals 12 through 64 years who have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Contraindications
- Do not administer Nuvaxovid to individuals with a known history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of Nuvaxovid or to individuals who had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) following a previous dose of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted.
Warnings and Precautions
- Management of Acute Allergic Reactions: Appropriate medical treatment must be immediately available to manage potential anaphylactic reactions following administration of Nuvaxovid.
- Myocarditis and Pericarditis: Clinical trials data provide evidence for increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of Nuvaxovid. There have been post-marketing reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published considerations related to myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination, including for vaccination of individuals with a history of myocarditis or pericarditis(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/myocarditis.html).
- Syncope (fainting): Syncope (fainting) may occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including Nuvaxovid. Procedures should be in place to avoid injury from fainting.
- Altered Immunocompetence: Immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to Nuvaxovid.
- Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness: Nuvaxovid may not protect all vaccine recipients.
Adverse Reactions
Solicited adverse reactions included: Injection site tenderness, injection site pain, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, malaise, joint pain, fever, nausea/vomiting and injection site redness.
To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Novavax, Inc. at 1-844-668-2829 or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 or https://vaers.hhs.gov.
About Nuvaxovid™
Nuvaxovid (NVX-CoV2705) is an updated version of Novavax’s prototype COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) formulated to target the JN.1 variant. It is a protein-based vaccine made by creating copies of the surface spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. With Novavax’s unique recombinant nanoparticle technology, the non-infectious spike protein serves as the antigen that primes the immune system to recognize the virus, while Novavax’s Matrix-M® adjuvant enhances and broadens the immune response. The vaccine is packaged as a ready-to-use liquid formulation and is stored at 2° to 8°C, enabling the use of existing vaccine supply and cold chain channels.
About Matrix-M® Adjuvant
Matrix-M is Novavax’s proprietary adjuvant that can be added to a vaccine or medicine to stimulate a stronger immune response and is currently used in globally approved vaccines. It is clinically proven to induce potent, durable and broad immune responses with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile and allows use of a lower dose of antigen that is still effective.4 Matrix-M is sustainably harvested and manufactured and has the potential to enhance existing and new vaccines. When combined with the Company’s recombinant, protein-based nanoparticles, this technology platform is the basis of Novavax’s expanding pipeline.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) tackles some of the world’s most pressing health challenges with its scientific expertise in vaccines and its proven technology platform, including protein-based nanoparticles and its Matrix-M adjuvant. The Company’s growth strategy seeks to optimize its existing partnerships and expand access to its proven technology platform via research and development innovation, organic portfolio expansion in infectious disease and beyond, and forging new partnerships and collaborations with other companies. Please visit novavax.com and LinkedIn for more information.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html. Accessed online May 18, 2025.
- Dunkle LM. et al; 2019nCoV-301 Study Group. Efficacy and safety of NVX-CoV2373 in adults in the United States and Mexico. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;386(6):531-543. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2116185.
- Áñez G. et al. Safety, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of the NVX-CoV2373 COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(4):e239135. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.9135.
- Stertman L. et al.; The Matrix-M™ adjuvant: A critical component of vaccines for the 21st century. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2023 Dec 31;19(1):2189885. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2189885.
SOURCE: Novavax
Post Views: 2,487
