South Korea Approves Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine for Distribution

Strategic Insights -

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety authorized the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, making it the fifth vaccine to receive approval in the country. The vaccine, Nuvaxovid, is a protein-based vaccine developed by U.S.-based biotechnology company Novavax Inc. It will be distributed by SK Bioscience Co., a unit of South Korea's SK Group, and will be available for use as early as next month. The vaccine will be administered to people aged 18 or older, with a second injection given 21 days after the first. Studies have shown a 90.4% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 cases, with mild or moderate side effects that cleared within a couple of days. The Seoul government and SK Bioscience have agreed to provide 40 million doses of the vaccine in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid, has been approved for use in South Korea, making it the fifth vaccine to receive authorization.
  • The vaccine is a protein-based vaccine engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Studies have shown a 90.4% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 cases and a 89.7% vaccine efficacy.
  • The side effects observed in the studies were usually mild or moderate and cleared within a couple of days.
  • A total of five serious side effects were reported globally, but most patients had fully recovered or were in the process of recovery.
  • The vaccine will be administered to people aged 18 or older, with a second injection given 21 days after the first.
  • The vaccine will be distributed by SK Bioscience Co. and will be available for use as early as next month.
  • The Seoul government and SK Bioscience have agreed to provide 40 million doses of the vaccine in the country.
  • The Novavax vaccine can be stored at a refrigerator temperature of between 2 and 8 Celsius for up to five months.

Statistics:

  • 90.4% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 cases in studies conducted in Mexico and the United States.
  • 89.7% vaccine efficacy in studies conducted in Britain.
  • 5 serious side effects were reported globally, including 1 in Britain and 4 in the U.S.
  • 40 million doses of the vaccine will be provided in the country by the Seoul government and SK Bioscience.
  • The vaccine can be stored at a refrigerator temperature of between 2 and 8 Celsius for up to 5 months.
  • Nuvaxovid will be used for first and second shots, and there is the possibility of authorizing the use for booster shots following further review.

Sources:

  • South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
  • Novavax Inc.
  • SK Bioscience Co.
  • Bahrain News Agency (BNA)
  • South Korean News Agency (Yonhap)