Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized in Europe

(Reuters) – The European Commission authorized Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX)'s updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the JN.1 strain of coronavirus in the region, the company announced on Wednesday.

The authorization is for individuals aged 12 years and older.

In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for Novavax's vaccine, following the approval of shots by Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA).

Novavax's traditional protein-based shot presents an alternative technology compared to messenger RNA-based vaccines like Moderna's Spikevax and Comirnaty, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX).

The updated vaccine targets the 'parent strain' of currently circulating variants and has demonstrated strong cross-reactivity against JN.1 lineage viruses, including KP.2.3 and KP.3 subvariants, according to Novavax CEO John Jacobs.