This weekly update in vaccines research covers regulatory actions, early- and mid-stage clinical progress, data readouts, manufacturing partnerships, and corporate transactions across multiple regions.
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🧪 NeoVac next-gen mRNA–LNP shows first-in-human safety signal [1] [06 Feb 2026]
https://www.biopharminternational.com/view/first-in-human-study-validates-safety-of-next-generation-mrna-lnp-platform
Context: Data posted as Lancet preprint; company positions platform for vaccines and therapeutics.
Key point: Phase I/II first-in-human COVID-19 vaccine study reported favorable safety and biological activity vs authorized mRNA vaccines (endpoint specifics not detailed in source summary).
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.
🧫 Delonix DX-104 MenB OMV vaccine clears IND in China, CTN in Australia [2] [China/Australia • 06 Feb 2026]
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/delonix-bioworks-announces-ind-clearance-120000799.html
Context: DX-104 uses engineered OMV Plus platform, reports robust preclinical SBA responses and commercial-scale production.
Key point: IND cleared by NMPA in China; Australian CTN and ethics approval completed, Phase I to evaluate safety and immunogenicity.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.
🦠 India begins Phase I for improved Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine [3] [India • 08 Feb 2026]
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-initiates-human-clinical-trials-for-improved-kyasanur-forest-disease-vaccine/article70606917.ece
Context: Animal challenge and toxicity completed; GLP-grade material manufactured; further trials planned if Phase I is successful.
Key point: ICMR initiates Phase I trial of fully indigenous two-dose inactivated KFD vaccine developed with IIL.
Implication: May expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.
🫁 GSK Arexvy filing accepted for review in China, adults 60+ [4] [China • 10 Feb 2026]
https://www.jamessharp.co.uk/market-news/china-cde-accepts-arexvy-adults-60-application/
Context: Submission includes Phase III immuno-bridging study in China meeting all primary endpoints; vaccine approved for older adults in many countries.
Key point: China CDE accepts Arexvy application for RSV-LRTD in adults 60+, with decision expected in 2027.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.
🧾 Sanofi completes acquisition of Dynavax, adds HEPLISAV-B and Z-1018 [5] [10 Feb 2026]
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/10/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/press-release-sanofi-completes-the-acquisition-of-dynavax/2275344
Context: Portfolio includes HEPLISAV-B (two-dose adult hepatitis B vaccine) and Z-1018 shingles candidate in Phase 1/2.
Key point: Transaction closed via tender offer and merger; Dynavax becomes wholly owned Sanofi subsidiary.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.
🇲🇽 Mexico–Moderna MOU for local mRNA manufacturing and clinical research [6] [Mexico • 10 Feb 2026]
https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/moderna-advances-local-mrna-vaccine-production-mexico
Context: Phased tech transfer from fill-finish to drug substance, aligned with Plan México; COFEPRIS approval and procurement noted.
Key point: Five-year agreement with government, BIRMEX, and Liomont to build mRNA capacity, supply respiratory vaccines, and run local R&D.
Implication: May expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.
💉 FDA issues Refusal-to-File for Moderna mRNA-1010 influenza BLA [7] [US • 10 Feb 2026]
https://feeds.issuerdirect.com/news-release.html?newsid=7346090610333866&symbol=MRNA
Context: Moderna plans Type A meeting; EU, Canada, Australia reviews underway; company cites two positive Phase 3 studies.
Key point: CBER refused to initiate review citing comparator choice; no specific safety or efficacy concerns raised in letter.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.
Why it matters
- mRNA delivery and OMV platforms continue to broaden vaccine design and potential repeat dosing.
- National manufacturing strategies in Mexico and regulatory progress in China show regional supply-chain shifts.
- Public health programs in India and China target endemic and seasonal respiratory threats with localized evidence.
- Corporate moves reshape adult immunization portfolios and future competition.
- FDA’s stance on comparators underscores how trial design choices affect US approval pathways.
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FAQ
What did NeoVac actually show in humans?
NeoVac reported first-in-human Phase I/II data for an mRNA–LNP COVID-19 candidate with favorable safety and biological activity vs authorized mRNA vaccines, per a Lancet-hosted preprint and company statements [1].
What stage is Delonix’s DX-104 now entering?
With NMPA IND clearance in China and prior Australian CTN and ethics approval, Delonix plans to start Phase I to assess safety and immunogenicity of its engineered OMV MenB vaccine [2].
What is the design of India’s new KFD vaccine program?
ICMR and IIL are testing a fully indigenous, two-dose, adjuvanted inactivated vaccine given 28 days apart, starting with Phase I after animal challenge and toxicity work [3].
What does China’s acceptance of Arexvy mean?
China’s CDE accepted GSK’s application for Arexvy in adults 60+. The filing includes a Phase III immuno-bridging study in China that met primary endpoints; a decision is expected in 2027 [4].
What products did Sanofi gain from Dynavax?
Sanofi now owns HEPLISAV-B, a two-dose adult hepatitis B vaccine, and Z-1018, a shingles candidate in Phase 1/2, along with other pipeline projects [5].
Why did FDA refuse to file Moderna’s mRNA-1010 BLA?
CBER cited the choice of comparator as not reflecting best-available standard of care. The letter did not specify safety or efficacy concerns. Reviews continue in the EU, Canada, and Australia [7].
Entities / Keywords
NeoVac; mRNA–LNP; COVID-19 vaccine; Delonix Bioworks; DX-104; OMV Plus; MenB; ICMR; Indian Immunologicals Limited; Kyasanur Forest Disease; GSK; Arexvy; RSV; China CDE; Sanofi; Dynavax; HEPLISAV-B; Z-1018; Moderna; mRNA-1010; FDA CBER; BIRMEX; Laboratorios Liomont; COFEPRIS; Mexico manufacturing.
References
- https://www.biopharminternational.com/view/first-in-human-study-validates-safety-of-next-generation-mrna-lnp-platform
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/delonix-bioworks-announces-ind-clearance-120000799.html
- https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-initiates-human-clinical-trials-for-improved-kyasanur-forest-disease-vaccine/article70606917.ece
- https://www.jamessharp.co.uk/market-news/china-cde-accepts-arexvy-adults-60-application/
- https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/10/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/press-release-sanofi-completes-the-acquisition-of-dynavax/2275344
- https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/moderna-advances-local-mrna-vaccine-production-mexico
- https://feeds.issuerdirect.com/news-release.html?newsid=7346090610333866&symbol=MRNA