Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA) said it is developing three new vaccines based on the same technology used for its COVID-19 shot, including one for viral infection shingles.

• The success of COVID-19 vaccines based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology from Moderna and rival Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) / BioNTech SE (NASDAQ: BNTX) has prompted efforts to use the novel technology in other vaccines and therapeutics.

• Pfizer is also developing an mRNA-based vaccine for shingles and expects to begin clinical trials in the second half of 2022.

• If successful, both companies will compete with GlaxoSmithKline Plc's (NYSE: GSK) two-dose vaccine Shingrix, approved by the FDA in 2017.

• Shingles typically develop in older adults infected with chickenpox, or the varicella-zoster virus, when younger. It is characterized by a painful rash that generally clears up within a month.

• Moderna's shingles vaccine is being developed to target the varicella-zoster virus.

• The Company is also developing a cancer vaccine and a shot against the herpes simplex virus-2, which causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease.

• Price Action: MRNA shares are down 2.97% at $142.02 during the market session on the last check Friday.

• Photo by Spencer Davis from Pixabay

See more from Benzinga

• Moderna Says COVID-19 Booster To Be Ready By August, But Dicey If Omicron-Specific Needed: Reuters

• Short Shelf Life Of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Shot Entangles Vaccine Rollout In Poorer Nations: Reuters

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