EMA recommends next season's COVID vaccines should target XFG variant

• XFG is the preferred target within the Omicron variant family, though closely related variants like LP.8.1 could also be considered for vaccine development
• Multiple variants including XFG, NB.1.8.1, and BA.3.2 are currently circulating in Europe with no single dominant strain across countries
• Vaccines targeting XFG are expected to provide cross-protection against BA.3.2, though the recommendation could change if the virus situation shifts significantly

EMA Recommends XFG Variant Target for 2026-27 COVID Vaccines

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced Friday that COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-27 vaccination campaign in Europe should be updated to target the XFG variant. This recommendation aligns with the U.S. FDA advisory panel's decision made Thursday regarding next season's vaccine formulation.

Key Details:

• The guidance, issued by EMA's Emergency Task Force, will direct vaccine manufacturers preparing shots for the upcoming winter season across the European Union and European Economic Area
• XFG is identified as the preferred choice within the current Omicron-related variant family, though closely related variants like LP.8.1 could also be considered
• Multiple variants are currently circulating in Europe, including XFG, NB.1.8.1, and BA.3.2, with no single dominant strain across countries

Market Implications:

The recommendation provides clear direction for vaccine manufacturers as they develop next season's formulations. Companies will need to update their production processes to target the specified variant strain. The EMA noted that vaccines targeting XFG are expected to provide cross-protection against BA.3.2, though recommendations could change if the virus situation shifts significantly.

Ongoing Requirements:

Vaccine makers will be required to continue collecting post-approval data on updated shots' effectiveness, including protection levels and immune response metrics.

The agency emphasized that while COVID vaccines continue to prevent severe disease and death, updating formulations to match circulating variants improves overall protection as the virus evolves. This coordinated approach between European and U.S. regulators streamlines global vaccine development efforts for the 2026-27 season.