Bavarian Nordic cans respiratory vaccine

Bavarian Nordic today announced that the phase 3 Vanir trial of its adult respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidate, MVA-BN RSV, did not meet all the primary endpoints of preventing lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD). The final study results showed 59% efficacy in preventing at least two pre-defined LRTD symptoms, meeting one of the efficacy criteria of the study. However, when measuring more severe LRTD based on at least three pre-defined symptoms, the vaccine candidate only demonstrated a 43% efficacy, missing the other co-primary endpoint. Bavarian will discontinue its RSV programme, including its partnership with Nuance Pharma in selected Asian markets. GSK and Pfizer's adult RSV shots, Arexvy and Abrysvo respectively, received FDA approval this year, while Moderna filed its contender, mRNA-1345, earlier this month. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson pulled out of the race in March. Bavarian's stock is down 23% this morning.