Vaxart's Oral Norovirus Vaccine Shows Strong Immune Response in Older Adults

Vaxart, Inc. has announced the publication of full Phase 1b trial data for its first-generation oral norovirus vaccine candidate in Science Translational Medicine. The study evaluated the vaccine in adults aged 55-80 and demonstrated robust and durable immune responses, including strong antibody and T cell activity. These findings are significant, as older adults often exhibit weaker immune responses to traditional injected vaccines. The results suggest that Vaxart’s oral vaccine could provide effective protection against norovirus, a highly contagious virus responsible for acute gastroenteritis that disproportionately affects older individuals.

Dr. James F. Cummings, Vaxart’s Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the vaccine’s potential, noting that immune responses appeared independent of age, which is promising for an elderly population at higher risk of severe disease. Additionally, the study showed that an oral vaccine can generate potent antibody responses beyond the gastrointestinal tract, reinforcing the broader potential of Vaxart’s platform. Conducted over 390 days with 63 participants, the trial confirmed both safety and immunogenicity, setting the stage for further development of this innovative, needle-free approach to norovirus prevention.