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mRNA-1273 vaccine
mRNA-1273 is an mRNA vaccine that instructs cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, triggering an immune response to prevent COVID-19 infection.
mRNA-1273 is an mRNA vaccine that instructs cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, triggering an immune response to prevent COVID-19 infection. Used for Prevention of COVID-19 in adults and children, Booster vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
At a glance
| Generic name | mRNA-1273 vaccine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto |
| Drug class | mRNA vaccine |
| Target | SARS-CoV-2 spike protein |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The vaccine consists of messenger RNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles that deliver genetic instructions to host cells. These cells then synthesize the spike protein antigen, which stimulates both CD8+ T-cell and antibody-mediated immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. This approach allows rapid immune priming without requiring live virus or viral vectors.
Approved indications
- Prevention of COVID-19 in adults and children
- Booster vaccination against SARS-CoV-2
Common side effects
- Injection site pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Fever
- Chills
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Investigate the Immunogenicity and Safety of mRNA COVID-19 Variant-containing Vaccine Formulations (PHASE4)
- Assessing Safety of Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19) Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccine Administration in the Setting of a Previous Adverse Reaction (PHASE4)
- COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection in Fully Vaccinated People and in People Who Received a Booster Dose
- Effectiveness of mRNA-1273 Variant-Containing Vaccine Formulation Against Severe Outcomes in Adults Aged 50-64 Years Without Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 (PHASE4)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of mRNA-1283 and mRNA-1273 in Participants 50 to 64 Years of Age Without High-Risk Conditions for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PHASE4)
- A Study of Modified mRNA Vaccines in Healthy Adults (PHASE1)
- Evaluating Safety and Immune Response of Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer/BNT, and Novavax COVID-19 Vaccines for Same and Mixed Boosters in Adolescents and Adults Aged 12-64 With and Without HIV in Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda (PHASE2)
- Safety and Immunogenicity of 9-valent Human Papillomavirus (9vHPV) Vaccine Coadministered With Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA)-1273 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19) Vaccine (V503-076) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- mRNA-1273 vaccine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- mRNA-1273 vaccine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Health Network, Toronto portfolio CI