Novavax’s Coronavirus Vaccine Enters Late-Stage Trials

Topline

Novavax has started the phase 3 trial for its experimental coronavirus vaccine in the United Kingdom, where a surge of coronavirus infections should provide good conditions for the trial, making it the fifth vaccine candidate funded by the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed to enter late-stage testing. 

Key Facts

Key Background

Novavax, which has not yet brought a vaccine to market, received $1.6 billion from the U.S. federal government to fund development and mass production of its experimental coronavirus vaccine. Other vaccines backed by Operation Warp Speed are in late-stage testing from Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. 

Big Number

$2 billion. That’s how much Novavax says it has secured in funding for its global coronavirus vaccine program, including up to $388 million in funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Tangent

Novavax still plans to test its vaccine in a phase 3 trial in the U.S. with up to 30,000 subjects, which could start in October, Glenn said, and it is running a mid-stage vaccine trial in South Africa. 

What To Watch For

If the vaccine proves safe, Novavax said it currently has the ability to manufacture 2 billion doses by mid-2021.

Further Reading

Statement

Covid-19 Vaccine From Novavax Begins Phase 3 Trial in U.K. (Wall Street Journal) 

Novavax Stock Jumps 8.5% After ‘Positive’ Early Results For Its Coronavirus Vaccine (Forbes)

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