Mspikevax vs. Spikevax: Nomenclature Distinction, Not Cost or Volume Differences
Mspikevax and Spikevax are the same Moderna mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine product with identical formulation, cost structure, and manufacturing volume—the different names simply reflect regulatory naming conventions in different jurisdictions (Mspikevax in the EU, Spikevax in the US). 1
Understanding the Nomenclature
- Both names refer to Moderna's mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine, which encodes the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein 1, 2
- The naming difference is purely administrative and does not reflect any variation in the vaccine's composition, manufacturing process, or pricing 1
- Both products are authorized/approved as 2- or 3-dose monovalent mRNA vaccines depending on age and immunocompromise status 1
No Differences in Cost or Production
- There is no evidence in the medical literature or regulatory guidance that Mspikevax and Spikevax differ in cost or volume produced 1
- Economic analyses of COVID-19 vaccines reference "Moderna" or "mRNA-1273" without distinguishing between these naming variants, indicating they are treated as the same product for cost-effectiveness calculations 1
- Manufacturing and distribution occur through the same Moderna production facilities regardless of the regional name used 3
Clinical and Regulatory Equivalence
- Both names appear in ACIP recommendations interchangeably when referring to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine 1
- Real-world effectiveness and safety data for "Moderna COVID-19 vaccines" apply equally to both Mspikevax and Spikevax 3
- The spike protein expression levels, immunogenicity, and clinical outcomes are identical as they represent the same pharmaceutical product 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
- Do not assume that different brand names indicate different vaccine formulations, costs, or production scales—this is a regulatory naming convention only, similar to how the same drug may have different brand names in different countries 1