The world cannot wait for a COVID-19 vaccine, but the world may have to wait a little longer. According to a report published Thursday on the biotech industry news site STAT, citing researchers allegedly involved in the investigation, a phase 3 clinical trial of Modern‘s (NASDAQ: MRNA) 1273 mRNA has been delayed. This delay, the duration of which was not specified, is due to the fact that Moderna is modifying the research protocol.
1273 mRNA is a prime candidate for the COVID-19 vaccine, and has elevated Moderna to the top of the coronavirus stock. MRNA-1273 is considered number 1 by many infectious disease experts and experts among the vaccines currently being developed. The phase 3 trial, which involved about 30,000 patients, was due to start this month.
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STAT quoted one of the researchers saying that “[m]I understood that they wanted to receive the first vaccines in July, and they say they are still committed to doing so. The best I can say is that they are close to being the target for that. “
Contacted by CNBC for a response, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said, “We have always said July. And I confirm July.” He did not elaborate.
It is not unusual for a company or other entity conducting clinical research to make changes to its protocol. These changes are generally not drastic and generally involve a series of adjustments. The STAT article did not provide details on apparent protocol modifications.
However, investors were not happy with this development. Moderna was down about 5% on Thursday afternoon trading.
