Novavax has received emergency-use authorization from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its updated COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 12 and older. The updated vaccine was previously authorized in the U.S. and targets a variant of the coronavirus.
Novavax’s original COVID-19 vaccine received U.S. authorization in July 2022, later than mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. Novavax’s vaccine uses a traditional protein-based technology, unlike the mRNA-based vaccines. Emergency use listing by the WHO facilitates regulatory approvals for member states to import and administer the vaccine. Shares of Novavax rose in response to the news.