Pfizer
and
BioNTech
said Thursday that an early trial of a combined Covid-19 and influenza vaccine had produced positive data. The companies are set for a race with
Moderna
and
Novavax
to release their combination vaccines.
Pfizer
(ticker: PFE) and German partner
BioNTech
(BNTX) said the shot performed well in tests that compared it with two stand-alone vaccines. They expect to start a Phase 3 trial within the coming months.
“This vaccine has the potential to lessen the impact of two respiratory diseases with a single injection and may simplify immunization practices for providers, patients, and healthcare systems all over the world,” said Annaliesa Anderson, head of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer.
In early trading, Pfizer shares were up 1.6%, to $31.22. American depositary receipts of BioNTech were up 1.6, to $96.71%.
The companies will be racing against
Moderna
(MRNA), which said earlier this month that its own combination vaccine could be ready to launch as soon as 2025.
Novavax
(NVAX) is also working on a combination vaccine. The company has said Phase 2 trial data showed it was well-tolerated, demonstrated a reassuring preliminary safety profile, and had robust preliminary top-line immune responses.
Moderna shares were down 0.8%, to $76.16. Novavax stock was off shares were down 1.7%, to $6.17.
A combined vaccine could be a driver for Covid-19 shots. Stocks of the vaccine manufacturers have been hit by doubts about the long-term value of their franchises.
Pfizer expects a U.S. Covid-19 vaccination rate of roughly 80 million doses this year; Moderna expects between 50 million and 100 million doses.
Write to Adam Clark at [email protected]
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