Novavax vaccine shown to be ‘highly effective’, while Valneva jab begins large-scale manufacturing
Two more Covid-19 vaccine designs will be produced in the UK, potentially boosting the domestic supply of vaccines in the coming year.
A new coronavirus vaccine being developed by United States-based Novavax has been shown to be highly effective in UK trials, with the bulk of the UK’s pre-ordered 60 million doses set be manufactured in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees.
Meanwhile, the French biotech firm Valneva announced it has begun large-scale manufacturing of its jab at its site in Livingston, West Lothian, in Scotland, which is expected to deliver up to 60 million doses to the UK by the end of the year, if approved for use.
The scientific community welcomed the news, with Steve Bates, chief executive of the BioIndustry Association, describing it as “an incredibly important development for the UK and the world in being able to tackle Covid-19”.
“In six months, the Vaccine Taskforce has built a diverse portfolio of vaccine candidates that includes established vaccine platforms with proven safety profiles such as Novavax and Valneva, and newer but clinically advanced platforms, including Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Janssen and Moderna.
“This multitude of vaccines means the UK will be well placed to combat variants and ensures that we have the necessary supply to vaccinate the UK population.”
‘Significant boost’
Phase three trial data from a UK clinical trial showed that the Novavax vaccine is 89 per cent effective in preventing coronavirus in participants, as well as efficacious against the new UK variant of the virus.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “This is positive news and, if approved by the medicines regulator, the Novavax vaccine will be a significant boost to our vaccination programme and another weapon in our arsenal to beat this awful virus.
“I’m proud the UK is at the forefront of another medical breakthrough and I want to thank the brilliant scientists and researchers, as well as the tens of thousands of selfless volunteers who took park in clinical trials.
“The NHS stands ready to roll this vaccine out as quickly as possible to those most at risk if it is authorised.”
Manufacturing in Scotland
Valneva’s announcement about manufacturing its vaccine follows a joint investment in its Scottish facility with the UK government, as part of an agreement in principle to secure early access to the vaccine by the end of 2021.
“This facility in Scotland, backed by millions from the government, will help us beat coronavirus and boost our resilience against future pandemics,” said business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.
If approved by the MHRA, the UK has an option to acquire an additional 130 million doses of the jab, the government said. Though with Valneva’s coronavirus vaccine candidate still in phase I/II trials, the rollout is not expected until late this year.
“By starting manufacturing, we will have a running start at rolling these out as quickly as possible to protect the British public if it receives regulatory approval,” Kwarteng said.
Long Covid shadow
The vaccine announcements come as the self-appointed expert group Independent Sage warned that vaccination rollout must not be used as an excuse to give up on suppression of the virus.
The group is also calling for more focus on supporting people who suffer long-term impacts of coronavirus infection, known as ‘long Covid’.
“As total number of confirmed cases in UK exceeds 3.7 million, this could mean between 185,000 and 370,000 people afflicted with long-term health issues, ranging from fatigue and shortness of breath to ‘brain fog’ and organ damage,” the group said on 29 January.
“As we mourn those who have died in this pandemic, we must not overlook the many, of all ages, who have survived with the condition we know as long Covid,” said Martin McKee, a professor of European public health at the London School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
“We are only beginning to understand the many ways that it affects those who are afflicted, some with what may be lasting damage. This is why we must do everything possible to drive down and keep down the spread of this virus while we wait for the eventual benefits of the vaccine.”