Matrix-M is a vaccine adjuvant, a substance that is added to various vaccines to stimulate the immune response.[1][2][3] It was patented in 2020 by Novavax[4] and is composed of nanoparticles from saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (soapbark) trees, cholesterol, and phospholipids.[5][6][7] It is an immune stimulating complex (ISCOM), which are nanospheres formed when saponin is mixed with two types of fats.[8]
Adjuvants increase the body's immune response to a vaccine by creating higher levels of antibodies.[9] They can either enhance, modulate, and/or prolong the body's immune response, reducing the number of vaccinations needed for immunization.[10]
The Matrix-M adjuvant is used in a number of vaccine candidates, including the malaria vaccine R21/Matrix-M,[1][11] influenza vaccines,[2] and in the approved Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.[5][12] In 2021, the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine candidate showed a 77% efficacy over a 12-month period.[11][5] In influenza vaccine candidates, Matrix-M was shown to offer cross-protection against multiple strains of influenza.[12][2][3]
Novavax is also testing a combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine candidate with Matrix-M.[13]
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