Benzinga | May 3, 2021 01:08PM EDT

Novavax Next In List To Start Testing Its COVID-19 Shot In Adolescents

* Novavax Inc (NASDAQ: NVAX) has initiated a pediatric expansion of its Phase 3 PREVENT-19 trial for NVX-CoV2373, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

* The additional arm of the ongoing PREVENT-19 pivotal trial will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of NVX-CoV2373 in up to 3,000 adolescents aged 12-17.

* Participants will randomly receive either the vaccine candidate or placebo in two doses, administered 21 days apart.

* A blinded crossover is planned to occur six months after the initial set of vaccinations to ensure that all trial participants receive the active vaccine.

* Participants will be monitored for safety for up to two years following the final dose.

* Price Action: NVAX shares are down 6.3% at $222 on the last check Monday.