Moderna Will Test Combination Vaccine in Denmark and Spain
The upcoming DAN-COMBO study will enroll 410,000 older adults to evaluate a combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in COVID-19
Live Poll
Should clinical vaccine trials always require placebo groups and participant blinding for safety and accuracy?
Moderna has announced plans for the DAN-COMBO trial, a study involving 410,000 adults aged 65 and older in Denmark and Spain. The trial will compare the mRNA-1083 combination vaccine against separate flu and COVID-19 injections during the next cold-and-flu season.
Why it matters
The study aims to fill evidence gaps regarding the effectiveness of combined versus separate vaccination strategies in older populations. This research comes as regulatory bodies navigate complex approvals for both individual and combo vaccine platforms.
The DAN-COMBO trial is designed as a large-scale comparative study involving 410,000 adults aged 65 and older. The study will assess the mRNA-1083 combination vaccine, which already holds European Medicines Agency approval for those aged 50 and older.
The players
Moderna
A biotechnology company focused on mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, including COVID-19 and influenza products.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The federal agency responsible for regulating vaccines and ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products in the United States.
European Medicines Agency
The agency responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision, and safety monitoring of medicines in the European Union.
The details
The DAN-COMBO trial compares Moderna's mRNA-1083 combination vaccine, which targets both influenza and COVID-19, against separate administrations of the Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine and mRNA-1010 flu vaccine. By testing these delivery methods concurrently, researchers intend to generate comparative effectiveness data. The study design, however, has faced criticism from the medical community for omitting a placebo group and failing to employ blinding, which are standard components of rigorous clinical trials.
Timeline
February 2026 was when the U.S. FDA initially declined to review the mRNA-1010 application.
The next cold-and-flu season is when the DAN-COMBO trial is scheduled to occur.
Health Landscape
This study follows the European Medicines Agency's approval of the mRNA-1083 combination vaccine for adults aged 50 and older. It reflects a broader trend toward evaluating combined immunization strategies to streamline vaccine administration.
If you are aged 65 or older, you may see expanded options for combined respiratory protection as this research unfolds. Any decisions regarding your vaccination schedule, including the benefits of combined versus separate shots, are worth discussing with your doctor.
The takeaway
The DAN-COMBO study represents an effort to generate comparative data on combined immunization platforms. Readers should monitor future results regarding the effectiveness of these vaccines and consult their physician about the best timing for seasonal health protections.
Further reading
For broader insights on immunization advancements, visit our COVID-19 section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Daily NG.
Live Poll
Should clinical vaccine trials always require placebo groups and participant blinding for safety and accuracy?
