US FDA pauses Novavax’s trial of combo flu-COVID shot on safety concerns

(Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has placed a hold on trials of Novavax’s COVID and influenza combination vaccine, as well as standalone flu shot due to safety concerns, the company said on Wednesday.

Shares of the vaccine maker slumped about 27% to $9.20 in premarket trading.

The hold was placed after a participant, who received a combination shot in its mid-stage trial, reported damage of motor nerves, the company said.

(Reporting by Leroy Leo in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)