Moderna Scraps mRNA-Based Antibody Program Targeting Chikungunya Virus

Moderna Inc MRNA has quietly announced the discontinuation of an mRNA program for the chikungunya virus.
The Company is scrapping Phase 2 plans for mRNA-1944, the antibody directed at the chikungunya virus.
Moderna did not provide a reason for the decision, saying only that a Phase 1 study had been completed and full results would be published “soon.”
Though the full Phase I results haven’t been read out yet, Moderna released an interim analysis in September 2019.
The Company had enrolled 22 healthy participants in the study, separated into four dose levels. Antibody levels exceeded after a single dose, with the second-and third-highest doses having been “projected to maintain” protective levels for at least 16 weeks after treatment.
But Moderna saw two Grade 3 adverse events in one participant at the third dose level, including abnormally rapid heart rate and elevated white blood cell count.
The same individual also had Grade 2 side effects of nausea, emesis, fever, and inverted T waves on a routine EKG.
All of the symptoms resolved without intervention and were classified as infusion-related.
Earlier today, Moderna reported Q3 earnings that fell short of expectations and said COVID-19 vaccine shipments were delayed in recent months.
Price Action: MRNA shares are down 17.8% at $284.39 during the market session on the last check Thursday.