Core Insights - Vaxart, Inc. reported positive topline results from a Phase 1 clinical trial for its second-generation oral pill norovirus vaccine constructs, showing significant increases in norovirus blocking antibodies compared to first-generation constructs [3][4][5] - The second-generation constructs demonstrated a 141% increase in GI.1 and a 94% increase in GII.4 norovirus blocking antibodies, indicating potential for improved protection against infection [4][8] - All vaccine candidates were found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported [4][8] Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 1 trial involved 60 healthy volunteers, randomized to receive either first-generation constructs, an equivalent dose of second-generation constructs, or a lower dose of second-generation constructs [4] - The primary endpoint was the measurement of norovirus blocking antibody assay (NBAA) titers at Day 0 and Day 28, with significant increases observed in the second-generation constructs [4][8] - The study results showed a geometric fold response (GMFR) increase from 2.2 to 5.4 for GI.1 and from 1.9 to 3.7 for GII.4 at the higher dose [8] Future Plans - Vaxart plans to publish the complete results of the study in a peer-reviewed journal and is considering a Phase 2b safety and immunogenicity study, potentially starting in the second half of 2025 [6][9] - The company aims to conduct an End of Phase 2 meeting with the U.S. FDA, with a Phase 3 trial anticipated to begin as early as 2026 [9] Industry Context - Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, with approximately 685 million infections globally each year, resulting in significant economic burden estimated at $60 billion [11] - There is currently no approved vaccine for norovirus, highlighting the unmet need for effective vaccination solutions in the market [11][7] Company Overview - Vaxart is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing oral recombinant vaccines using a proprietary delivery platform, which allows for storage and shipping without refrigeration [14] - The company is also working on oral vaccines for other diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza, and has filed broad patent applications for its technology [14]

Moderna (MRNA) 2025 Conference June 05, 2025 10:30 AM ET Speaker0 Everyone, thank you. Good morning, and thank you for joining us on our next discussion here at the Jefferies Healthcare Conference. I have the pleasure of having the President of Moderna, Stephen Hoag, up here with us. Obviously, timely. A lot's going on in the world, both from a regulatory administrative standpoint. We had Marty Makary here yesterday. Obviously, a lot going on with your commercial business, the pipeline, all of that. So I lo ...

Core Insights - Vaxart, Inc. announced the publication of complete data from a Phase 2b challenge study of its first-generation oral pill norovirus vaccine candidate, which met five of its six primary endpoints, demonstrating safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity [1][4] - Machine learning analyses identified functional blocking antibody and fecal IgA as robust correlates of protection, which will inform the development of Vaxart's second-generation norovirus vaccine candidate currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial [1][2] Study Details - The Phase 2b challenge study enrolled 165 healthy adults, randomized to receive either the vaccine candidate targeting norovirus GI.1 genotype or a placebo, with a primary objective to determine vaccine efficacy against norovirus infection and gastroenteritis [3] - Key findings included a 30% relative reduction in norovirus infection for the vaccine group compared to placebo (p=0.003) and a 21% relative reduction in norovirus gastroenteritis, although not statistically significant (p=0.178) [4] Immunogenicity and Safety - The vaccine significantly increased serum IgA, IgG, and norovirus-blocking antibodies (p<0.001 for all endpoints), and stimulated mucosal-homing B cells, increasing norovirus-specific antibodies in saliva, nasal lining fluid, and intestine [4] - The vaccine was reported to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious vaccine-related events or dose-limiting toxicities, and most adverse events were mild [4] Future Development - Vaxart initiated a Phase 1 trial comparing its first- and second-generation norovirus vaccine candidates in March 2025, aiming to enhance immunogenicity and protection [1][5][6] - The company believes that a safe and effective norovirus vaccine is essential for global health and is confident in its oral pill vaccine platform [6]

Core Insights - Vaxart, Inc. has resumed screening for the 10,000 participant portion of its COVID-19 Phase 2b trial, with dosing expected to start in Q2 2025 [4][7] - The company completed enrollment for its Phase 1 clinical trial of a second-generation oral norovirus vaccine, with topline data anticipated in mid-2025 [4][7] - A new avian influenza vaccine candidate demonstrated 100% protection in a ferret challenge model, contrasting with 0% survival in placebo-treated animals [9] COVID-19 Vaccine Developments - The stop work order for the COVID-19 Phase 2b trial was lifted, allowing Vaxart to proceed with participant screening [4][7] - The company is operating under a Project NextGen award, potentially receiving up to $460.7 million, with $240.1 million currently available [7] - Screening for the trial is currently underway, with dosing expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025 [7] Norovirus Vaccine Developments - Vaxart completed enrollment of 60 participants in its Phase 1 trial for the second-generation oral norovirus vaccine, with results expected in mid-2025 [7] - An independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board recommended the continuation of the study without modifications [7] Avian Influenza Program Developments - The new avian influenza vaccine candidate showed 100% protection against death in a ferret model, with plans to publish the findings in a peer-reviewed forum [9] Financial Results - For Q1 2025, Vaxart reported revenue of $20.9 million, a significant increase from $2.2 million in Q1 2024 [12][18] - Research and development expenses rose to $30.7 million in Q1 2025, compared to $19.0 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to increased clinical trial costs [12][18] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $15.6 million, an improvement from a net loss of $24.4 million in Q1 2024, with a net loss per share of $0.07 compared to $0.14 in the previous year [12][18][19] Leadership Changes - Jeroen Grasman has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer effective May 19, 2025, succeeding Phillip Lee, who will remain as a non-executive employee until June 1, 2025 [12]

Vaxart (VXRT) 2025 Conference May 07, 2025 01:00 PM ET Speaker0 Alright. Thanks everybody for joining us again at the Citizens Life Science Conference. Next company we have presenting, has a really interesting oral, vaccine platform unique, I I believe. It's Vaxart. We have Steve Lowe, who's president and CEO, and James Cummings, chief medical officer, and they're going to run you through a presentation. So take it away, Steve. Speaker1 Great. Thank you very much. Good afternoon. As Roy mentioned, James Cum ...

Moderna (MRNA) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 01, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker0 Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Moderna first quarter '20 '20 '5 conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. After the speakers' presentation, there'll be a question and answer session. To ask a question during the session, you need to press 11 on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press 11 again. Pl ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenues were $100 million with a net loss of $1 billion, reflecting the seasonal nature of the respiratory vaccine business [7] - Cash and investments at the end of the quarter totaled $8.4 billion, down from $9.5 billion at the end of Q4 [16] - Net product sales were $86 million, primarily driven by COVID vaccine sales, with total revenue for the quarter at $108 million, a 35% decrease year over year [13][16] - R&D expenses were $856 million, a 19% decrease year over year, while SG&A expenses were $212 million, down 23% year over year [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. accounted for about one-third of total sales, with lower vaccination rates compared to Q1 last year due to the transition of COVID into routine seasonal vaccination patterns [12][13] - Cost of sales represented 104% of net product sales this quarter, up from 58% in the prior year, driven by lower volume and revenue mix [14] - The oncology portfolio was expanded with the Checkpoint Medicine program, which is expected to drive future sales growth [10][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company received approvals for its vaccines in multiple international markets, including Australia, Taiwan, the UK, and Switzerland, enhancing its competitive position [9] - The company anticipates a total addressable market of over $30 billion for its upcoming product approvals [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three priorities: driving sales for approved products, advancing its late-stage pipeline, and delivering cost efficiency across the business [39] - The company plans to achieve significant cost reductions, targeting a cash cost of approximately $4.2 billion by 2027 to meet its breakeven target by 2028 [21][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing need for COVID vaccination, particularly in light of recent data showing high efficacy rates for their updated vaccine [53] - The company remains engaged with the FDA and continues to have productive exchanges regarding its ongoing product reviews [52] Other Important Information - The company is planning a total reduction in annual GAAP expenses of over $6 billion from 2023 to 2027, representing a 55% reduction [22] - The company is actively monitoring for additional cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in its trials and has lifted the clinical hold on its norovirus study [92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on FDA interactions and potential risks to the vaccine business outlook - Management noted that interactions with the FDA have been productive and that they continue to see a need for COVID vaccination, especially among older Americans [52][53] Question: Update on INT Phase III data expectations - Management believes that a 2026 readout for the Phase III melanoma study is still reasonable based on historical event rates [57] Question: COVID strain selection process moving forward - The strain selection process will depend on guidance from regulatory bodies, with updates expected within the next month [75] Question: Concerns about future market share changes in COVID revenue - Management indicated that script data shows a consistent market share of around 38% and that inventory levels are being managed by customers [100] Question: Flu vaccine interim data expectations - Management did not provide specific guidance on total events for the flu vaccine analysis but indicated that a large number of cases are expected [105]

- Topline data expected in mid-2025 - SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaxart, Inc. (Nasdaq: VXRT) today announced that it completed enrollment of its Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating its second-generation oral norovirus vaccine constructs head-to-head against its first-generation constructs. “Completing enrollment in this trial bring us one step closer in our development of a norovirus vaccine, where there is a significant unmet need,” said Steven Lo, Chief Executive Officer ...