Moderna (MRNA) Jumps 10% on Vaccine News and Cruise Ship Outbreak
Shares of Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) surged 10% on Thursday, fueled by two distinct developments: a reported hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship and the publication of positive Phase 3 trial results for its seasonal influenza vaccine candidate.
Hantavirus Outbreak
Eight hantavirus cases have been identified among individuals associated with the cruise ship MV Hondius, including three confirmed infections and five suspected cases.
The World Health Organization reported the outbreak on Thursday. Health authorities in multiple countries are tracing contacts and working to contain the spread. The vessel is currently traveling toward Spain’s Canary Islands with remaining passengers on board.
Two passengers in serious condition were evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment, according to vessel operator Oceanwide Expeditions. A third evacuee, not currently showing symptoms, is also receiving medical care there.
The evacuated individuals include a British national, a 65-year-old German, and a 41-year-old Dutch crew member. The MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 people, is expected to dock in Tenerife within three days, according to Spain’s Health Minister Monica Garcia. She added that those still on board were not presenting symptoms.
The ship departed from Argentina last month. Three deaths have been reported, with officials confirming one of the deceased had the virus. The other two deaths remain under investigation.
An international team of scientists from the University of Bath, the United States, and South Africa is working on a hantavirus vaccine. The virus is typically spread by rodents. The origin of the outbreak remains unknown, and it is unclear if individuals other than ship passengers have been infected.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Results
Moderna announced publication in the New England Journal of Medicine of positive Phase 3 study results for mRNA-1010, its seasonal influenza vaccine candidate.
The peer-reviewed article presents safety and efficacy data from the Phase 3 study evaluating the vaccine in adults aged 50 years and older. The vaccine was compared against a licensed standard-dose seasonal influenza vaccine, and the data was reviewed in a rigorous scientific setting.