Moderna Starts Phase 1 Trial of ‘Next Generation’ COVID-19 Vaccine

Moderna announced that it has dosed the first participants in its phase 1 trial of mRNA-1283, its “next generation” COVID-19 vaccine candidate that’s being developed to have more relaxed temperature requirements for easier distribution and administration.

The phase 1 study will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the two-dose candidate in 10-microgram and 30-microgram doses, in addition to a single 100-microgram dose regimen, and compare it with the currently authorized two-dose regimen of its original vaccine, mRNA-1273.

The drugmaker also intends to assess the vaccine hopeful in future studies to gauge its viability in seronegative patients and as a booster shot for previously vaccinated or seropositive patients.

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the potentially refrigerator-stable vaccine “could facilitate easier distribution and administration in a wider range of settings, including potentially for developing countries.”

Moderna’s original two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, the second authorized in the U.S., has proven highly effective but comes with stringent temperature requirements, including a storage temperature of -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 Celsius). — James Miessler