Maryland— Biotechnology company Novavax Inc. announced on Tuesday that its experimental combination COVID-19 and influenza vaccine, along with a standalone flu shot, has demonstrated strong immune responses in a late-stage clinical trial involving older adults.

The Phase 3 study, which enrolled nearly 2,300 participants aged 65 and above, showed that both vaccines significantly boosted antibodies against multiple virus strains, including COVID-19 and the seasonal flu (H1N1, H3N2, and B strains). According to Novavax, the immune response levels were comparable to those elicited by existing approved vaccines, such as Sanofi’s Fluzone HD for influenza and Novavax’s own COVID vaccine, Nuvaxovid.

“These results support the potential of our protein-based platform to deliver combination and standalone vaccines that are well tolerated and provide strong immunity,” said Silvia Taylor, President of Research and Development at Novavax.

Safety data from the study indicated that both vaccines were generally well tolerated, with side effects being mostly mild to moderate in severity. There were no new safety concerns reported.

While the trial was not statistically powered to demonstrate efficacy, Novavax says the findings will be used to design future pivotal studies required for regulatory approvals.

The company is actively seeking commercial partners to support the development and distribution of the vaccines. This follows a significant licensing deal struck last year with French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, valued at up to $1.2 billion, to co-commercialize Novavax’s COVID vaccine.

Following the announcement, Novavax shares rose by 1.3% in pre-market trading on Tuesday.

If approved, the COVID-flu combination vaccine could offer a more convenient option for older adults, potentially improving vaccination rates and simplifying annual immunization schedules.