Novavax (NVAX) Gets On H1N1 Train, With Ferrets

August 18, 2009 · Filed Under flu 

Novavax (NVAX) announced positive preclinical results with Novavax’s 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine. The study, conducted by scientists from Novavax and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based in Atlanta, GA, under a collaborative agreement, represents the first efficacy report of a 2009 novel H1N1 vaccine in ferrets. The ferret model is widely accepted to be the most appropriate animal model for evaluating influenza disease and vaccines. Novavax scientists designed the vaccine using recombinant virus like particles (VLP) technology against an H1N1 virus strain (A/California/04/2009) isolated in the beginning of the 2009 H1N1 outbreak.

The market was not impressed because the trials may have nothing to do with human treatment. Ferrets are considered ideal animals for the testing, but the news is hardly conclusive.

Novavax (NVAX) shares are only up 8% on the new to $4.85. Earler this month, the company reported reported a net loss of $8.5 million, or $0.10 per share, for the second quarter of 2009 compared to a net loss of $9.4 million, or $0.15 per share, for the second quarter of 2008.

Douglas A. McIntyre

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