FDA Grants Complete Approval To Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine For Children As Young As 6 Months

Group 1: Moderna's Vaccine Approval - The U.S. FDA has approved Moderna's supplemental Biologics License Application for Spikevax, allowing its COVID-19 vaccine for children aged six months to 11 years at increased risk for COVID-19 disease [1] - Moderna's CEO emphasized the importance of vaccination for protecting children against severe disease and hospitalization, expressing appreciation for the FDA's review and approval [2] - The updated Spikevax vaccine is expected to be available for eligible populations in the U.S. for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season [2] Group 2: Legal Challenges and Patent Issues - Pfizer and BioNTech have requested a reversal of a court ruling that found their COVID-19 vaccine infringed on a Moderna patent, while a previous ruling declared one of Moderna's patents invalid [3] - The companies argue that Moderna's mRNA technology is a continuation of earlier research, questioning the validity of the patent [4] - Moderna maintains that the court's decision to uphold the patent is correct and should remain [4] Group 3: FDA's Vaccine Approval Decisions - The FDA's top vaccine official overruled agency scientists to limit the approval of two COVID-19 vaccines, despite recommendations for broader use [6] - The official restricted the vaccines to higher-risk individuals, citing declining hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19 as a factor in the decision [7] - Following the news, Moderna's stock price increased by 3.60% to $33.97 [7]