Vaccines Today—February 20, 2026

This week’s Vaccines update summarizes key developments including regulatory actions, clinical progress, and emerging data releases. This edition covers notable advancements and ongoing efforts in the field.

In Today’s Newsletter

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🧪 Aptar Pharma’s Nasal Delivery Systems Power CastleVax Phase II Clinical Trials for Next-Gen COVID-19 Vaccine [1] [16 Feb 2026]

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260216/Aptar-Pharmae28099s-intranasal-solutions-power-CastleVax-Phase-II-clinical-trials-for-next-gen-COVID-19-vaccine.aspx
Context: The trial uses Aptar’s LuerVax™ adapter and Spray Divider™ technology for precise nasal dosing, focusing on enhancing immune responses at the respiratory tract.
Key point: Aptar Pharma’s nasal delivery technology enables CastleVax’s Phase II trial for CVAX-01, an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine designed to provide robust mucosal immunity.
Implication: This advancement in needle-free vaccine delivery could significantly impact COVID-19 vaccination strategies, making it more patient-friendly and potentially improving global accessibility.

🧪 Moderna Receives European Commission Marketing Authorization for mNEXSPIKE [2] [17 Feb 2026]

https://feeds.issuerdirect.com/news-release.html?newsid=8201845178897387&symbol=MRNA
Context: mNEXSPIKE showed a 9.3% higher relative efficacy compared to Spikevax, especially among older adults, with a similar safety profile.
Key point: The European Commission grants marketing authorization for Moderna’s mNEXSPIKE® vaccine, marking the company’s third COVID-19 vaccine approved in the EU.
Implication: This approval strengthens Moderna’s position in the European vaccine market and provides enhanced protection options for older populations.

🧪 WHO Prequalifies an Additional Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2) [3] [13 Feb 2026]

https://www.who.int/news/item/13-02-2026-who-prequalifies-additional-novel-oral-polio-vaccine
Context: The vaccine, developed by Biological E. Limited, has been shown to be more genetically stable than traditional oral polio vaccines.
Key point: The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new oral polio vaccine, nOPV2, to combat type 2 poliovirus outbreaks more effectively and sustainably.
Implication: This prequalification strengthens the global response to polio and ensures a more stable and reliable vaccine supply for outbreak control.

🧪 RSV Vaccine in Multidose Vial Matches Single-Dose Vial in Immune Response [4] [18 Feb 2026]

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rsv-vaccine-multidose-vial-matches-single-dose-vial-2026a1000540?src=rss
Context: The multidose vial is expected to reduce costs and improve distribution, especially in low-resource settings.
Key point: A Phase 3 study confirmed that the RSVpreF vaccine in a multidose vial produces comparable immune responses and safety to the single-dose vial.
Implication: This formulation may increase the accessibility of RSV vaccines worldwide, particularly in underserved regions.

🧪 GSK’s AREXVY Shows Effectiveness in Reducing RSV-Related Risks in Older Adults [5] [18 Feb 2026]

https://us.gsk.com/en-us/media/press-releases/gsk-s-arexvy-associated-with-reductions-in-certain-rsv-related-risks-including-heart-attack-stroke-and-severe-flare-ups-of-copd-and-asthma-real-world-study-shows/
Context: Real-world data from a cohort of 2.5 million individuals showed strong protection against severe RSV outcomes.
Key point: GSK’s AREXVY vaccine demonstrates a 75.6% effectiveness in preventing RSV-related hospitalizations and a reduction in cardiovascular and respiratory flare-ups among older adults.
Implication: AREXVY’s effectiveness in preventing severe RSV-related health risks could make it a crucial tool for protecting vulnerable populations, particularly older adults.

🧪 Court Rejects Two of Moderna’s Defenses in mRNA Vaccine Patent Dispute with Arbutus [6] [17 Feb 2026]

https://www.biospace.com/policy/court-rejects-two-moderna-defenses-in-mrna-vaccine-patent-row-with-arbutus
Context: Moderna argued that Arbutus’s patents were invalid, but the court rejected the claims, leaving only Moderna’s enablement defense.
Key point: A federal court ruling rejected two of Moderna’s key defenses in the patent dispute with Arbutus Biopharma over lipid nanoparticle technology used in Moderna’s mRNA vaccines.
Implication: The ruling may affect Moderna’s ongoing patent strategy and its mRNA vaccine developments, with potential implications for licensing agreements.

🧪 GeoVax Labs Announces $1 Million Registered Direct Offering [7] [13 Feb 2026]

https://www.geovax.com/investors/press-releases/geovax-labs-announces-1-million-registered-direct-offering-priced-at-the-market-under-nasdaq-rules
Context: The funds will support clinical trials and expansion of GeoVax’s immunotherapy and vaccine programs, with particular attention to emerging infectious diseases.
Key point: GeoVax Labs announces a $1 million offering to support the development of its vaccine candidates, including a focus on Mpox.
Implication: This investment strengthens GeoVax’s ability to contribute to global public health efforts, particularly in the fight against Mpox.

🧪 GeoVax Endorses Global Call to Sustain Mpox Response [8] [17 Feb 2026]

https://www.geovax.com/investors/press-releases/geovax-endorses-global-call-to-sustain-mpox-response-as-evidence-confirms-epidemic-is-far-from-over
Context: The ongoing Mpox epidemic, especially in Africa, continues to challenge global health systems. GeoVax’s GEO-MVA vaccine aims to address these vulnerabilities.
Key point: GeoVax supports a global call to action, endorsing the urgent need for sustained investment and diversification in Mpox vaccine supply.
Implication: Continued efforts to diversify Mpox vaccine production and supply will be crucial in containing the disease and preventing further global spread.

Why it matters

Aptar’s innovations in nasal vaccine delivery could significantly impact respiratory disease vaccination strategies globally.
Moderna’s mNEXSPIKE approval expands its presence in the European vaccine market, offering enhanced protection, especially for older adults.
The WHO’s approval of nOPV2 ensures a more stable vaccine supply, crucial for global polio eradication efforts.
RSV vaccine developments in multidose formats help improve accessibility and affordability for global immunization campaigns.
GSK’s real-world data on AREXVY highlights its potential to reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and cardiovascular risks, providing substantial benefits for older adults.
The legal challenges faced by Moderna may affect its future vaccine strategies and the broader mRNA vaccine landscape.
GeoVax’s investment in its Mpox vaccine underscores the ongoing need for global health preparedness and response.

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FAQ

What did Aptar Pharma’s nasal delivery technology contribute to CastleVax’s trial?

Aptar’s technology enabled precise nasal dosing for CVAX-01, a next-generation intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, facilitating an alternative to needle-based delivery for enhanced immune responses. Read More

What is Moderna’s mNEXSPIKE vaccine?

mNEXSPIKE is a new mRNA vaccine authorized for use in Europe, showing improved efficacy over earlier COVID vaccines, particularly in older adults. Read More

What impact will GSK’s AREXVY have on RSV prevention?

GSK’s AREXVY has shown effectiveness in reducing RSV-related hospitalizations and severe health complications like cardiovascular events and flare-ups of chronic respiratory diseases. Read More

Entities / Keywords

Aptar Pharma, CastleVax, mNEXSPIKE, WHO, nOPV2, RSVpreF, GSK, AREXVY, Moderna, mRNA vaccines, Arbutus Biopharma, GeoVax, Mpox.