Gaithersburg-based Novavax has received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute its COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. It is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the United States. Once a policy recommendation is received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunizations with the Novavax vaccine can begin immediately for adults.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Department of Defense, announced earlier this week the purchase of an initial 3.2 million doses of the Novavax vaccine. The doses will be made available free to states, jurisdictions, federal pharmacy partners and federally qualified health centers.
The Novavax protein-based vaccine is already widely in use in more than 35 countries, having received approval from multiple regulatory agencies worldwide, including the European Commission and emergency use listing from the World Health Organization. The Novavax vaccine is designed and manufactured differently than the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine options. It offers a new option for those who may have an allergic reaction to mRNA vaccines or who have a personal preference for receiving a vaccine other than an mRNA-based vaccine.
The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) said the latest Novavax news solidifies Montgomery County as the “Immunology Capital Next to the Nation’s Capital.”
Other global vaccine leaders with Montgomery County ties include BioNTech, which co-developed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which has been approved in 146 countries, and AstraZeneca, which has a COVID-19 vaccine that is approved in more than 140 countries.
These companies, along with dozens more in the County, have greatly contributed to global COVID-19 vaccine research, development and manufacturing, as well as testing and treatment options.
Scientific work developed in Montgomery County has supported the entire vaccine continuum across the globe. Companies in Montgomery County have received more than $5.5 billion in federal funding to fight COVID-19 around the world.
More information from Novavax on the FDA approval is available here.