Vaxart Begins 10,000-Participant Phase 2b COVID-19 Pill Vaccine Trial

Vaxart, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has received approval from the U.S. government's BARDA to begin dosing participants in the 10,000-person segment of its Phase 2b clinical trial for an oral COVID-19 vaccine, expected to start in the second quarter of 2025. This double-blind, multi-center, randomized trial will compare Vaxart's oral vaccine candidate to an approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in previously vaccinated adults, with funding from Project NextGen worth up to $460.7 million. The company also completed enrollment for its Phase 1 oral norovirus vaccine trial and reported promising preclinical results for a new avian influenza vaccine candidate. Vaxart's financials show a fair performance rating, with a cash runway extending into 2026, despite recent stock price declines and volatility. The company emphasizes its oral vaccine platform's potential for mucosal and systemic immunity, as well as advantages like pill administration without refrigeration or needles. Leadership changes include the appointment of Jeroen Grasman as CFO effective May 19, 2025.