American biotechnology company Moderna said Tuesday (25/5) that recent COVID-19 vaccine trials have shown it is safe and effective in adolescents aged 12-17 years.
The company said it would submit the findings to the FDA’s Food and Drug Administration next month for emergency approval.
In a release posted on its website, Moderna said the trial involved more than 3,700 children aged 12-17 years.
It said preliminary findings suggest the vaccine triggers the same immune protective markers in adolescents as it does in adults, and also causes the same temporary side effects such as arm pain, headaches and fatigue.
In a statement, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said the company was excited about the findings.
Bancel added it would submit the findings to the FDA and other global regulators in early June for approval.
Earlier this month the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer-BioNTech became the first to be approved for use among adolescents in America and Canada.
European drug regulator, the European Medicines Agency EMA, is currently researching a vaccine made by Moderna for use in adolescents.
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have also started testing their vaccines in a smaller age group, from babies aged six months to children aged 11 years.
This test is more complex.
While adolescents may receive the same dose of vaccine as adults, smaller age groups require smaller doses of vaccine.
Experts hope the test results will be known by the end of this year.
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