Novavax will supply NVX-CoV2373 to Australia from the first half of 2021, subject to Phase 3 clinical trials and regulatory approval
Novavax to supply NVX-CoV2373 to Australia. (Credit: Willfried Wende from Pixabay.)
Novavax has reached an agreement with the Australian Government to supply 40 million doses of its potential Covid-19 vaccine candidate NVX-CoV2373.
Under the terms of the agreement, the biotechnology firm will begin the delivery of its NVX-CoV2373 to Australia from the first half of 2021, after completing the Phase 3 clinical trial and receiving Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval.
Novavax’ agreement with the Australian Government to directly supply its NVX-CoV2373 vaccine follows the previous agreements with the US, the UK, and Canada.
The company has also agreed to supply the vaccine to Japan, South Korea and India through partnerships.
Novavax president and chief executive officer Stanley Erck said: “This arrangement with the Australian Government reflects the importance of the ongoing clinical development of NVX-CoV2373, and will ensure that the citizens of Australia will have access to its supply.
“We are pleased with the progress of our ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial in the UK, and are pressing forward to deliver efficacy data for NVX-CoV2373, with interim data in this event-driven trial expected as soon as early first quarter 2021.”
Novavax leveraged recombinant nanoparticle technology for NVX-CoV2373
NVX-CoV2373 is an investigational vaccine candidate developed from the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 disease.
The vaccine was designed using the company’s advanced recombinant nanoparticle technology, to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike (S) protein.
Also, NVX-CoV2373 comprises its patented saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance the immune response and induce elevated levels of neutralising antibodies.
Matrix-M adjuvant was well-tolerated and has shown effectiveness in enhancing antigen presentation in local lymph nodes, boosting immune response, said the company.
The vaccine induced antibodies against the virus spike protein in preclinical trials. It was well-tolerated and resulted in superior antibody responses in the Phase 1 trials.
NVX-CoV2373 is currently being studied in a Phase 3 trial in the UK and two ongoing Phase 2 studies, a Phase 2b trial in South Africa, and a Phase 1/2 continuation study in the US and Australia.
Novavax has received $2bn funding for its global coronavirus vaccine programme, which includes up to $388m from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).