NVAX Novavax reports positive data from flu vaccine study
8:51 am ET 03/24/2010- Reuters
* H1N1 flu vaccine well-tolerated at all dose levels
* Shares up 6 percent in premarket trade
March 24 (Reuters) - Vaccine maker Novavax Inc <NVAX.O> reported positive results from the first phase of its two-stage pivotal study of H1N1 flu vaccine, sending its shares up 6 percent in premarket trade.
The data showed safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine were consistent with preliminary results, the company said. <ReutersLink ID='ID:nBNG415500' />
The vaccine was well tolerated at all three dose levels of 5 micrograms (mcg), 15 mcg or 45 mcg -- and showed no systemic side effects, the company said.
These data confirmed that a single dose of 15 mcg was optimal to induce robust immune responses in broader age populations with a highly satisfactory safety profile, the company said.
Earlier this month, the company, which is conducting the study in partnership with Mexico's Avimex Laboratories, completed enrollment of a cohort of over 3,500 volunteers in second phase of this study.
Shares of the company rose 6 percent to $2.47 in premarket trade. They closed at $2.34 Tuesday on Nasdaq.
