Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:MRNA) saw its stock rise 3.8% after announcing that its experimental flu vaccine, mRNA-1010, delivered positive results in a Phase 3 clinical trial, showing greater efficacy than standard influenza vaccines.
In adults aged 50 and older, the mRNA-based vaccine candidate demonstrated a relative vaccine efficacy of 26.6% against influenza illness when compared to currently licensed seasonal flu shots. The data indicated strong protection across all included virus strains, with efficacy measured at 29.6% against A/H1N1, 22.2% against A/H3N2, and 29.1% against B/Victoria.
“Today’s strong Phase 3 efficacy results are a significant milestone in our effort to reduce the burden of influenza in older adults. The severity of this past flu season underscores the need for more effective vaccines,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.
The global Phase 3 trial involved 40,805 participants aged 50 and over across 11 countries. Each participant received either a single dose of mRNA-1010 or a standard licensed flu vaccine, with a median follow-up period of six months. In those aged 65 and older—a population especially vulnerable to flu complications—the Moderna shot showed a relative efficacy of 27.4%.
Moderna also reported a favorable safety profile for the vaccine. Side effects were generally mild and aligned with previous mRNA vaccine studies. Pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported local reaction, while fatigue, headache, and muscle aches were the most frequent systemic responses.
The biotech firm plans to share the findings at a forthcoming medical conference and aims to publish them in a peer-reviewed journal. Moderna also intends to initiate regulatory discussions for future submission of mRNA-1010.