EMA Recommends World's First mRNA Flu-COVID Combo Vaccine

(MENAFN) European drug regulators moved Friday to greenlight a groundbreaking combined coronavirus and seasonal influenza vaccine crafted by Moderna, recommending its approval for adults aged 50 and older in a landmark decision for preventive medicine.

The vaccine, commercially designated mCombriax, becomes the first mRNA-based combination vaccine to secure a positive opinion from European regulators, according to an official statement — marking a significant milestone in vaccine development.

European health authorities confirmed that clinical trial data demonstrated recipients of the combined shot produced immune responses on par with those who received separate Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations, validating the vaccine's dual efficacy.

The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) human medicines committee's endorsement now advances to the European Commission for a final ruling — a step widely regarded as procedural — before the vaccine can be formally cleared for commercial distribution across the bloc.

Should full authorization be granted, mCombriax would become immediately available throughout all EU member states as well as the wider European Economic Area, health officials noted. The approval would hand medical authorities a powerful new instrument in the fight to shield older and more vulnerable populations from serious respiratory illness during peak infection seasons.

The decision signals a broader shift toward streamlined vaccination strategies, potentially reducing the burden on both patients and public health systems by consolidating two critical annual shots into a single dose.

MENAFN01032026000045017169ID1110804477