Novavax, Johnson &Johnson vaccines prove effective against COVID-19 ‘and its new variants’

US pharmaceutical companies Novavax and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) have announced that their respective COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective in preventing the most serious coronavirus symptoms.

Novavax reported that its NVX-CoV2373 vaccine has not only demonstrated an 89% efficacy, but also produced immune response against the UK coronavirus variant as well as the South African variant. 

An extensive study showed that the Novavax jab offered 86% protection against the new British variant of COVID-19, which is up to 70% more transmissible.

A separate trial also showed that it was about 60% effective against the South African variant, despite widespread concerns that this strain may not respond to vaccines.

Studies were conducted in both the UK and South Africa. In addition, the pharmaceutical company reported that large trials of the vaccine are ongoing in the US and Mexico.

Novavax also said the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is a protein-based inactivated vaccine containing a genetically engineered viral antigen delivered to cells by nanoparticles.

Johnson and Johnson on the other hand has produced a single-shot vaccine that has proven to be 85% effective against the virus.

The company said its latest tests – carried out in several countries – also showed it was 66% effective overall at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, 28 days after vaccination.

Unlike other COVID-19 jabs, which require two doses several weeks apart, J&J’s is administered in one injection and also only needs to be kept at fridge temperature, making its storage, distribution and handling much easier.

Also costing as little as $10 (£7) a dose, it is cheaper than most of the other vaccines – coming in at about the same price as two shots of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab.

J&J’s Chief Scientific Officer, Paul Stoffels said the vaccine offers the hope of helping ease the huge burden placed on healthcare systems and communities.”

“These topline results with a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine candidate represent a promising moment.

“The potential to significantly reduce the burden of severe disease, by providing an effective and well-tolerated vaccine with just one immunisation, is a critical component of the global public health response.

“A one-shot vaccine is considered by the World Health Organisation to be the best option in pandemic settings, enhancing access, distribution and compliance.”

The 85% efficacy rate in preventing the most severe cases “will potentially protect hundreds of millions of people from serious and fatal outcomes of COVID-19,” he added.

The effectiveness of the Novavax and J&J jabs are not far off the 95% success rate seen with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which have already been approved for use, while the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is up to 90% effective.

Speaking on Novavax’s vaccine news, Dr Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, said the 60% effectiveness against the South African variant of COVID-19 is still promising – not least because US regulators previously said they were prepared to approve a jab that was just 50% effective.

“We’ve gotten spoiled because we’ve seen the Moderna and Pfizer numbers. I know people are going to be alarmed, but 60% efficacy against the new variant is acceptable.”