Immunization Roundup: Reducing Long COVID, Moderna Flu Vaccine, and More

Monoclonal Antibody to Prevent RSV in Infants Shows Positives Results in Phase 2b/3 Study

MK-1654 (clesrovimab) is a monoclonal antibody sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC and it showed positive topline results to treat infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Throughout the 150-day trial, MK-1654 met its primary efficacy endpoint of lowering RSV incidence among patients.

Don't miss our immunization news from the month of July. | image credit: Andrii Zastrozhnov / stock.adobe.com

Amidst Uptick in Cases, Investigational Lyme Disease Vaccine Trial Underway

A clinical trial testing the efficacy of a Pfizer and Valneva Lyme disease vaccination was recently completed this past month. With no current approved vaccines for Lyme disease in humans, this primary 3-dose vaccination series, VLA15, has the chance to be the first after the VALOR trial is complete.

Long COVID Risk Reduced by 70% Following Vaccination

With quite some time since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID, remains a concern for health care professionals. Researchers found, however, that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can reduce the risk of long COVID by 70%.

COVID-19 Cases Rise as Omicron-Derived FLiRT, LB.1 Variants Take Hold

With COVID-19 cases on the rise because of an omicron-derived variant, researchers and experts alike believe that an annual summer surge of the virus is possible. The name of the most recent COVID-19 variant is known as FLiRT, and in early March, it was responsible for 4% of infections in the US.

15-Minute Saliva Test Aims to Close Tetanus Vaccination Gap

Due to misinformation surrounding the state of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall trust in diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccinations hit its lowest point in 15 years. However, researchers believe this low-cost, blood-free saliva tetanus immunity test could relieve negative sentiments toward being vaccinated against tetanus.

Phase 1/2 Trial of Investigational Herpes Zoster Vaccine Candidate Underway

Z-1018, a herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine candidate developed by Dynavax, is set to launch its phase 1/2 trial. Among 3 trial sites in Australia, 440 healthy adults 50 to 69 years old are expected to be enrolled.

Maternal RSV Vaccination Not Associated With Increased Preterm Birth Risk

Researchers aimed to address the association between preterm birth risk and Abrysvo, which is a version of Pfizer’s RSV vaccine. While most patients who are pregnant receive the vaccination between 32- and 36-weeks’ gestation, the study showed no associations between preterm birth and vaccination.

HHS Awards Moderna $176 Million to Develop Pandemic-Ready Influenza Vaccine

With the assistance of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), earlier this month, Moderna was awarded $176 million for its mRNA-based pandemic-ready flu vaccine. “We have successfully taken lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and used them to better prepare for future public health crises. As part of that, we continue to develop new vaccines and other tools to help address influenza and bolster our pandemic response capabilities,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a news release.

Ready to impress your pharmacy colleagues with the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter.