Valneva's COVID-19 Shot Fails As Booster In Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccinated Population

Valneva SE VALN has responded to data published from the U.K COV-Boost COVID-19 vaccine trial that investigated the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of seven different COVID-19 vaccines at different dose levels in vaccinated individuals.

• All seven vaccines given in the COV-Boost study increased immunity when given as booster shots to people who had previously received two doses of AstraZeneca Plc's AZN Vaxzevria.
• The other six, but not Valneva's VLA2001, were also found to increase immunity when given to people who had been vaccinated with Pfizer Inc PFE - BioNTech SE's BNTX Comirnaty.
• Valneva believes it is likely that the short interval between the second and booster shot could have adversely impacted the results for VLA2001, given that a longer interval is generally required for inactivated vaccines.
• The Company has already begun generating data to inform any regulatory discussions regarding a potential booster indication for VLA2001. 
• The first data from existing clinical trials (homologous) are expected in the first quarter of 2022. 
• Additionally, Valneva is in the process of setting up a dedicated heterologous booster trial. 
• Valneva's trials will evaluate a booster shot provided at least six months after primary vaccination.
• Juan Carlos Jaramillo, Chief Medical Officer of Valneva, said, "the setting in the study leads us to believe that COV-Boost does not allow any conclusions to be reached regarding the use of VLA2001 as a booster in a real-life setting."
• Related: Valneva Shares Soar On Securing EU COVID-19 Vaccine Deal
• Price Action: VALN shares are down 12.80% at $54.81 during the market session on the last check Friday.