Pfizer, BioNTech receive positive CHMP opinion for Omicron COVID-19 vaccine

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and BioNTech (BNTX) announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has recommended marketing authorization for the companies’ Omicron KP.2-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals 6 months of age and older. The European Commission will review the CHMP’s recommendation and is expected to make a final decision soon. Following the EC decision, Pfizer and BioNTech’s Omicron KP.2-adapted COVID-19 vaccine will ship to European Union member states that have specifically ordered this formulation. The CHMP recommendation dated September 19, 2024, is based on the non-clinical and manufacturing data of the Omicron KP.2-adapted vaccine and the clinical and real-world evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of prior formulas of the COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer and BioNTech. The non-clinical data showed that the KP.2-adapted vaccine generates a substantially improved response against multiple currently circulating Omicron JN.1 sublineages, including KP.2, LB.1, KP.3, and KP.3.1.1, compared with the companies’ Omicron XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine. In July 2024, the EC granted marketing authorization for Pfizer and BioNTech’s Omicron JN.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine. This authorization was based on evidence showing that the JN.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine generates a substantially improved response against multiple Omicron JN.1 sublineages, including KP.2, LB.1, KP.3, and KP.3.1.1, as compared with the companies’ Omicron XBB. 1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine. Pending authorization of the Omicron KP.2-adapted vaccine by the EC, both the Omicron KP.2-adapted vaccine and the Omicron JN.1-adapted vaccine will be available across the EU, though availability will vary based on individual country government requests and national recommendations.