Novavax Inc announced on Tuesday that its updated protein-based COVID-19 vaccine has triggered an immune response against emerging coronavirus variants, including the “Eris” subvariant, based on preliminary animal studies.
As COVID infections and hospitalizations surge globally, the EG.5 subvariant, commonly referred to as “Eris,” has been contributing to the rise in cases. Eris is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and has gained prominence in recent months.
In preparation for the upcoming fall season, COVID vaccine manufacturers are working on updated shots that target specific subvariants. Both Moderna and Pfizer have reported promising results against the Eris subvariant.
Subject to approval from health regulators in the United States and Europe, these updated vaccines are expected to be accessible in the next few weeks, aligning with the autumn vaccination campaign.
Pfizer, along with its partner BioNTech, has indicated that their updated vaccine triggers an immune response against Eris. Similarly, Moderna’s preliminary trial data demonstrates that its vaccine produces antibodies against Eris and another related subvariant called “Fornax.”
Following Novavax’s announcement that its updated shot stimulates virus-neutralizing antibodies for XBB subvariants, including EG.5.1 and XBB.1.16.6, the company’s shares rose by 3.2% to $8.33 in premarket trading. EG.5 accounts for more than 17% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to recent government data.
Eris has been classified as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization, signifying the need for close monitoring due to potential mutations that could enhance its contagiousness or severity.
