Novavax has announced that its updated protein-based XBB Covid vaccine candidate generated neutralising antibody responses against the EG.5.1 and XBB.1.16.6 subvariants in non-human primate and small animal trials.

EG.5 subvariant, dubbed Eris, is a descendant of the Omicron lineage that originally surfaced in November 2021.

The Novavax Covid-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted vaccine is not yet approved or licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It has been approved for emergency use by FDA, under an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) to prevent Covid-19 as a primary series in patients 12 years of age and more.

Previously, non-clinical studies showed that the Covid vaccine candidate from Novavax produced functional immune responses for the XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.2.3 variants. This demonstrated a broad response that can be useful for forward-drift variants.

The American biotechnology company is now submitting applications for its XBB.1.5 Covid vaccine candidate to regulatory agencies all around the world.

Upon getting regulatory approval, the Covid vaccine will be the only protein-based non-mRNA vaccine option present in key markets for the upcoming fall season, Novavax claimed.

Novavax Research and Development president Filip Dubovsky said: “Our data have shown that Novavax’s protein-based COVID vaccine induces broadly neutralising responses against XBB subvariants, including EG.5.1 and XBB.1.16.6.

“We have a lot of confidence in our updated Covid vaccine and are working diligently with global regulatory bodies to ensure our protein-based vaccine is available this fall.”

The Covid vaccine industry is preparing new doses that specifically target the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 for the fall season. Pfizer and Moderna have claimed that their vaccine for Eris is also promising.

The new doses are expected to be accessible in the upcoming weeks for the autumn immunisation season, subject to approval from health officials in the US and Europe, reported Reuters.

Furthermore, Moderna said preliminary trial data suggests its shot created antibodies against Eris and another related subvariant known as Fornaxy.

Additionally, Pfizer and German partner BioNTech said their upgraded vaccine developed an immune response to Eris.