Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) shares hiked Thursday on a report that its NanoFlu™ vaccine demonstrated improved immune responses compared to egg-based, high-dose flu vaccine.
The company, based in Gaithersburg, Md., reported Significantly higher hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody responses against homologous H1N1 and H3N2 strains and comparable HAI responses against the homologous B/Brisbane strain.
Significantly higher HAI immune responses were also reported against historic and forward-drifted H3N2 strains, and strong neutralizing antibody responses that correlate with HAI results against H3N2 strains.
The company also says H3N2 has been a consistent public health challenge and is associated with roughly 75% of this season's flu-related hospitalizations. Against three tested H3N2 strains, the ratio of day 21 HAI geometric mean titers (GMTs) show significant responses of NanoFlu vaccine over IIV3-HD
Overall, NanoFlu vaccine was well tolerated over the three-week trial period. Novavax now expects to begin a Phase 2 trial of its NanoFlu vaccine in the third quarter of 2018. Novavax management will discuss these trial results in greater detail on a conference call following publication.
NanoFlu vaccine is a recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) protein nanoparticle influenza vaccine candidate produced by Novavax in its SF9 insect cell baculovirus system.
Novavax is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to delivering novel products to prevent a broad range of infectious diseases. Its recombinant nanoparticles and Matrix-M(TM) adjuvant technology are the foundation for groundbreaking innovation that improves global health through safe and effective vaccines.
Company shares took on 29 cents, or 13.5% to $2.46 early Thursday afternoon.
