ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX ) today announced that enrollment has begun in a Phase 2 dose-confirmatory clinical trial of its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidate in women of childbearing age.
This randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study will evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of multiple formulations of Novavax' RSV-F protein nanoparticle vaccine candidate with aluminum phosphate as an adjuvant. The study is scheduled to enroll 720 women of childbearing age who will receive either one or two intramuscular injections at each dose level of vaccine or placebo at days 0 and 28. Immunogenicity and safety will be evaluated over three month and six month periods, respectively.
"This trial represents important progress for our RSV vaccine, which is being developed to protect young infants through maternal immunization," said Gregory Glenn M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Novavax. "This study will help define the dose and dose regimen and expand the safety database for our maternal immunization strategy. These are all essential steps in the advancement of this important vaccine towards licensure."
About RSV
RSV is a respiratory pathogen that afflicts all humans regardless of age. In healthy adults, RSV infections are generally mild to moderate in severity, but may be more severe in infants and young children as well as the elderly and adults with underlying chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease. Globally, RSV is a common cause of childhood respiratory infection, with a disease burden of 64 million cases and approximately 160,000 deaths annually. Severe RSV disease results in 3.4 million hospital admissions per year globally and disproportionately affects infants below six months of age. It is estimated that between 11,000 to 17,000 elderly and high risk adults die of RSV infection annually in the U.S., with up to 180,000 hospitalizations for serious respiratory symptoms. Currently, there is no approved RSV prophylactic vaccine available for either of these populations.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX ) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company creating novel vaccines and vaccine adjuvants to address a broad range of infectious diseases worldwide. Using innovative proprietary recombinant protein nanoparticle vaccine technology, the company produces vaccine candidates to efficiently and effectively respond to both known and newly emergent diseases. Additional information about Novavax is available on the company's website, novavax.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements herein relating to the future of Novavax and the ongoing development of its vaccine and adjuvant products are forward-looking statements. Novavax cautions that these forward looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Novavax Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012,and Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are encouraged to read our filings with the SEC, available at sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of the statements. Our business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.
Barclay A. Phillips SVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Novavax, Inc. 240-268-2000
