Vaxart reports 100% survival in ferret study of oral H5N1 vaccine candidate
Vaxart announced that its second‑generation oral H5N1 vaccine candidate VXA‑H5‑02 achieved 100% survival in ferrets after a lethal H5N1 challenge. All vaccinated animals survived while unvaccinated controls died by day 6, a difference that was statistically significant (p<0.001). The study also showed an approximately 2.3‑log reduction in viral shedding by day 3 and clearance of viable virus by days 6‑7. The results were published in Frontiers in Immunology and the company said they support further development of its oral influenza platform.
Why it matters
The company says the data bolster its oral vaccine platform and could accelerate future development, but the vaccine has not yet been tested in humans, so investors should view the news as an early‑stage scientific milestone rather than a commercial product launch.
Key facts
- 1VXA‑H5‑02 achieved 100% survival in ferrets after lethal H5N1 challenge. rttnews.com
- 2All unvaccinated control ferrets died by Day 6. rttnews.com
- 3Survival difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). rttnews.com
- 4VXA‑H5‑02 produced an approximately 2.3‑log reduction in infectious viral shedding by Day 3. rttnews.com
- 5VXRT stock was trading at $0.44, up 1.85% at the time of the report. rttnews.com
- 6VXRT has traded between $0.31 and $0.84 over the past year. rttnews.com
Summary written by AlphAI from 2 of 2 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.