Novavax to start late-stage trials for COVID-19 vaccine in UK

Novavax Inc (NASDAQ:NVAX) is set to start late-stage trials for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the UK. The US firm will enrol up to 10,000 participants aged 18-84 over the next six weeks, with half receiving the formulation and half receiving a placebo. At least a quarter will be aged 65 and above while there will be a focus on groups most affected by the pandemic such as ethnic minorities. Up to 400 volunteers will receive both Novavax’s candidate and a seasonal flu vaccine to see if the combination works. Data for from the Phase II of clinical trials are expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. It is the fourth pharma company entering the final stage of tests for a COVID-19 jab, following AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna. The UK struck a deal with Novavax last month to provide support and infrastructure as well as securing 60mln doses if the vaccine is approved. On Thursday, Westminster announced a new round of funding to the NHS and public services the support needed to respond to coronavirus, with £24.3bn pledged since the Summer Economic Update in July.