Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (bivalent)

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (bivalent) is a protein-based subunit vaccine candidate designed to provide broad protection against SARS-CoV-2. It combines recombinant spike proteins from the ancestral (Wuhan-Hu-1) strain and an Omicron variant (typically BA.1 or BA.5). The vaccine utilizes Novavax's proprietary recombinant nanoparticle technology to express the spike protein in its prefusion conformation. It is formulated with the Matrix-M adjuvant, a saponin-based compound that enhances the immune response by stimulating the recruitment of antigen-presenting cells to the injection site and improving antigen presentation in local lymph nodes. Unlike mRNA-based vaccines, this platform delivers the antigen directly to the recipient. Clinical data indicated that the bivalent formulation induces high titers of neutralizing antibodies against both the original virus and various Omicron subvariants, though global regulatory preferences eventually shifted toward updated monovalent formulations for seasonal boosters.

Brand names

NuvaxovidCovovax

Other names

Novavax bivalent COVID-19 vaccineNovavax Omicron-containing bivalent vaccineNovavax bivalent vaccine candidate