Novavax Allows Participants On Placebo Arm To Get COVID-19 Vaccine In Trials

Novavax Inc NVAX said that participants in its ongoing COVID-19 vaccine trials in South Africa and the U.K. could receive additional shots, ensuring those who received a placebo can also get the active vaccine.
Allowing volunteers to crossover to the active vaccine will enable participants to continue in trials and remain blinded.
The company said it planned to cross over participants in its ongoing large, late-stage study in the U.S. and Mexico. The company plans to read out initial clinical data during the second quarter.
As part of the updated trial protocol, all participants in the U.K. and the U.S. will be offered the chance to receive an additional round of shots, the company said.
Participants who opt to do so will receive two additional doses of either vaccine for those who initially received placebo or placebo for those who first got the vaccine.
Price Action: NVAX shares are trading 4.2% lower at $178 in the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.