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Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

Novavax · Phase 3 active Biologic

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is a Protein subunit vaccine Biologic drug developed by Novavax. It is currently in Phase 3 development for COVID-19 prevention in adults 18 years and older, COVID-19 prevention in adolescents 12-17 years (in some jurisdictions). Also known as: Novavax SARS-CoV-2 rS vaccine.

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine uses recombinant spike protein nanoparticles with a saponin-based adjuvant to stimulate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2.

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine uses recombinant spike protein nanoparticles with a saponin-based adjuvant to stimulate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. Used for COVID-19 prevention in adults 18 years and older, COVID-19 prevention in adolescents 12-17 years (in some jurisdictions).

At a glance

Generic nameNovavax COVID-19 Vaccine
Also known asNovavax SARS-CoV-2 rS vaccine
SponsorNovavax
Drug classProtein subunit vaccine
TargetSARS-CoV-2 spike protein
ModalityBiologic
Therapeutic areaImmunology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

The vaccine contains recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein produced in insect cells, assembled into nanoparticles, and formulated with Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity. This protein-based approach differs from mRNA vaccines by delivering the antigen directly rather than instructing cells to produce it, triggering both humoral and cellular immune responses to prevent COVID-19 infection and severe disease.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

What is Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is a Protein subunit vaccine drug developed by Novavax, indicated for COVID-19 prevention in adults 18 years and older, COVID-19 prevention in adolescents 12-17 years (in some jurisdictions).

How does Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine work?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine uses recombinant spike protein nanoparticles with a saponin-based adjuvant to stimulate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2.

What is Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine used for?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is indicated for COVID-19 prevention in adults 18 years and older, COVID-19 prevention in adolescents 12-17 years (in some jurisdictions).

Who makes Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is developed by Novavax (see full Novavax pipeline at /company/novavax).

Is Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine also known as anything else?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is also known as Novavax SARS-CoV-2 rS vaccine.

What drug class is Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine in?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine belongs to the Protein subunit vaccine class. See all Protein subunit vaccine drugs at /class/protein-subunit-vaccine.

What development phase is Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine in?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine?

Common side effects of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine include Injection site pain, Fatigue, Myalgia, Headache, Fever, Nausea.

What does Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine target?

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine targets SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and is a Protein subunit vaccine.

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