Moderna says new data shows its two-dose COVID-19 vaccine remains 93% effective against symptomatic illness after six months.
The pharmaceutical company shared the news in a press release Thursday morning, saying the data was collected before the delta variant emerged and started spreading rapidly.
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"We are pleased that our COVID-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93% through six months, but recognize that the delta variant is a significant new threat, so we must remain vigilant," CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a statement.
Moderna initiated the "rolling submission process" for full approval of its two-dose mRNA coronavirus vaccine in the U.S. back in June and expects to complete the submission this month. The vaccine was approved by the FDA for emergency use in adults last December.
Bancel added that Moderna is working on developing a single-dose annual booster shot that provides protection against not only COVID-19, but also the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (a common infection that causes mild cold symptoms) for adults.
"We have begun preparing late-stage studies for our flu vaccine and RSV vaccine, which received fast-track designation from the FDA a few days ago and are looking forward towards our vision of a single-dose annual booster that provides protection against COVID-19, flu and RSV for adults," he said. "We believe this is just the beginning."
The company said early-stage testing showed its booster candidate was effective against COVID-19 variants of concern, including delta, saying "robust antibody responses have been observed" in participants.
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Moderna is also working on a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, "which is a potential refrigerator-stable vaccine that could facilitate easier distribution and storage," according to the release.
The latest data from the CDC shows that 139.5 million Americans have received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, with 63.6 million people fully vaccinated.