GSK and CureVac Advance mRNA Vaccine Programs for COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Following Positive Early-Stage Results

Intelligent Finance APP learned that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.US) and CureVac (CVAC.US) are planning further clinical trials for mRNA vaccines targeting COVID-19 and seasonal influenza after achieving positive early results, although the partners still lag behind competitors in expanding the use of mRNA technology. As of press time, CureVac's pre-market trading rose by 11.26%, reaching $7.098.

According to reports, CureVac stated on Friday that the second-generation candidate vaccine from its partner showed a good ability to stimulate the immune system in early trials. The two companies plan to start mid-stage trials for the COVID-19 vaccine around the middle of the year, while research on seasonal flu targeting four different strains should begin in the first half of the year.

Although CureVac was one of the earliest companies to start researching mRNA vaccines, it has fallen behind its competitors BioNTech (BNTX.US) and Moderna (MRNA.US). This German biotechnology company’s first-generation COVID-19 vaccine development progressed slowly, and after disappointing clinical trial results, it had to abandon this candidate vaccine in 2021.

It is reported that GlaxoSmithKline is funding the R&D of the influenza project, while both partner parties are contributing to the COVID-19 project. As of the end of the third quarter, CureVac had 540.9 million euros (equivalent to 568 million US dollars) in cash, sufficient to sustain operations until the end of this year.