Novavax, Inc. Launches Phase I Clinical Trial of A/H5N1 Influenza Vaccine Candidate

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVAX) announced today that it has begun enrollment in a Phase I clinical trial of its monovalent virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate to prevent a potential pandemic disease due to A/H5N1 avian influenza viruses ("bird flu"). This randomized, observer-blind, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled trial is being conducted under the company's contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (HHS BARDA). The goal of the trial is to evaluate the safety of the VLP A/H5N1 avian influenza vaccine candidate Novavax is developing under the HHS BARDA contract and determine the vaccine's immunogenicity with and without the use of an undisclosed adjuvant ("Adjuvant 1").