PHILADELPHIA - GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: LON:GSK) has announced positive results from a phase 3 trial, indicating that co-administration of AREXVY and SHINGRIX vaccines is as effective as separate administrations. The study, involving adults aged 50 and older, showed non-inferior immune responses when the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, AREXVY, and the shingles vaccine, SHINGRIX, both adjuvanted with AS01, were given together compared to when given separately.
The trial's findings, which are set to be submitted to peer-reviewed scientific publications and regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA, could streamline vaccination schedules for older adults by potentially reducing healthcare visits.
During the trial, participants reported similar and acceptable levels of reactogenicity and safety profiles between the co-administration and separate administration groups. The most common adverse events included injection site pain, fatigue, and myalgia, with the duration of these events being comparable across groups.
Dr. Len Friedland, Vice President of Scientific Affairs and Public Health at GSK, highlighted the significance of these results in improving adult immunization rates by simplifying the vaccination process.
Both AREXVY and SHINGRIX are designed to prevent serious health conditions in older adults, with RSV leading to hospitalizations and deaths, and shingles causing painful rashes and potentially long-term nerve pain.
AREXVY, approved in over 50 countries for individuals 60 and older and for those 50-59 at increased risk of RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), contains an RSV F protein antigen combined with the AS01E adjuvant. SHINGRIX, approved for shingles prevention in adults 50 and over, uses an antigen with the AS01B adjuvant system to help overcome age-related declines in immune response.
The study's results are based on a press release statement and represent a potential advancement in the co-administration of adult vaccines, offering a more efficient immunization strategy for older populations.
In other recent news, Agenus (NASDAQ:AGEN) Inc. reported significant advancements in its cancer treatments, botansilamab (BOT) and bostilamab (BAL), with promising Phase II trial results in treating colorectal cancer. The company plans to initiate a Phase III trial and explore rapid approval pathways, particularly in Europe. During the same period, Agenus reported revenues of $23.5 million and $51.5 million for the three and six-month periods ending June 30, 2024, respectively, but also disclosed a net loss of $54.8 million and $118.3 million for the same periods.
In other significant news, Agenus revealed clinical trial results indicating promising activity of BOT and BAL in treating advanced sarcomas. The study showed an overall response rate of 23%, with a median duration of response of 21.7 months, and a 12-month overall survival rate of 69%. For the angiosarcoma subtype, the results were even more promising, with a 39% overall response rate and a 12-month survival rate of 64%.
B.Riley adjusted its outlook on Agenus shares, reducing the price target to $18.00 from the previous $42.00, but maintained a Buy rating. This adjustment came after the company's second-quarter financial results for 2024. Agenus has also regained full rights to AGEN1777 and AGEN2373 and is actively seeking new partnerships for these programs. These are recent developments in Agenus Inc .'s ongoing efforts to advance its pipeline and secure its market presence in the biotechnology industry.
InvestingPro Insights
The recent phase 3 trial success of GSK's AREXVY and SHINGRIX vaccines could have implications for the company's market performance. While GSK continues to innovate in the vaccine space, investors may look at similar companies in the sector for potential investment opportunities. Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN), a biotechnology company focused on immuno-oncology, provides an interesting comparison, although it operates in a different segment of the healthcare market.
InvestingPro data shows Agenus with a market capitalization of $134.39 million, reflecting its position as a smaller player in the biotech industry. Notably, the company has experienced significant revenue growth of 60.67% in the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, indicating a strong expansion in its business operations. However, this growth contrasts with a quarterly revenue decline of 7.06% in Q2 2024, signaling potential volatility in its financial performance.
One of the InvestingPro Tips for Agenus highlights the company's rapid cash burn, which is a critical factor for investors to consider, particularly in the biotechnology sector where research and development costs can be substantial. Another tip points out that three analysts have revised their earnings estimates downwards for the upcoming period, suggesting that the market may have concerns about the company's near-term profitability.
For those interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips on Agenus, including insights into stock price volatility, gross profit margins, and the company's debt levels. There are a total of 15 InvestingPro Tips available for Agenus, providing a comprehensive look at the company's financial health and market performance for informed investment decisions.
As GSK advances in the vaccine market, understanding the broader biotech landscape, including companies like Agenus, can provide investors with a more nuanced view of the sector's prospects and challenges. Access to real-time data and expert analysis, such as that offered by InvestingPro, can be invaluable in this regard.
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