On Monday, Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating on Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) shares with a price target of $180. The firm's decision follows the release of Phase III data for Moderna's combined Covid-19 and influenza vaccine.
The results demonstrated that the vaccine produced a superior level of antibody titers in both the 65 and older age group and the 50-64 year age cohort when compared to the standard flu vaccines Fluarix and high-dose Fluzone, in addition to Moderna's own Spikevax.
The company plans to engage with the FDA as it moves towards seeking approval for the combo vaccine, with an anticipated market launch by 2025. Jefferies highlighted this development as a positive step, noting that Moderna's pipeline is advancing well. The focus for Moderna remains on the upcoming launch of their RSV vaccine as well as meeting the financial guidance set for 2024.
Moderna's recent data comes as a significant milestone in its efforts to create a combined vaccine for Covid-19 and influenza. The success in older age groups is particularly noteworthy, as these populations are often at greater risk for severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses.
The company's proactive approach in discussing the new data with the FDA is a critical step in the regulatory process. Gaining approval by 2025 would allow Moderna to expand its portfolio of vaccines and potentially streamline vaccination protocols for these common viruses.
As Moderna continues to pursue its 2024 financial targets, the progress of its vaccine pipeline, including the anticipated RSV vaccine launch, will be closely watched by investors and healthcare professionals alike. The company's efforts to innovate in the vaccine space could have significant implications for public health, especially in the context of an aging global population and the ongoing management of Covid-19.
In other recent news, Moderna has announced significant developments in its vaccine trials and approvals. The company's investigational mRNA-1083 vaccine, designed to target both influenza and COVID-19, achieved its primary endpoints in a Phase 3 trial, outperforming standard flu and COVID-19 vaccines in adults aged 50 and above. Additionally, Moderna's mRNA-4157, in combination with Merck's KEYTRUDA, has shown promising results in a Phase 2b clinical trial, reducing the risk of recurrence or death in high-risk melanoma patients by 49% compared to KEYTRUDA alone.
Moderna has also received FDA approval for mRESVIA, its mRNA-based vaccine designed to protect adults aged 60 and over from lower respiratory tract disease caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RBC Capital Markets has subsequently upgraded Moderna's shares following this approval. Furthermore, Piper Sandler maintained an overweight rating on Moderna shares, reaffirming its positive stance on the company.
The company is also making strides with its updated COVID-19 vaccines, which have shown increased efficacy against new strains like KP.2. Moderna, along with Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX), and Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX), is ready to supply these updated vaccines once approved.
InvestingPro Insights
Moderna's financial health and market performance are crucial for investors tracking the company's ambitious vaccine development goals. An InvestingPro analysis reveals that Moderna holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which may provide the necessary capital to support its pipeline advancements, including the combined Covid-19 and influenza vaccine. Furthermore, the company's liquid assets surpass its short-term obligations, indicating a strong liquidity position.
InvestingPro Data highlights a market capitalization of $57.87 billion, underlining Moderna's substantial presence in the biotech industry. Despite analysts anticipating a sales decline in the current year, the company has seen a significant price uptick, with a 6-month total return of 88.01%. Additionally, with 9 analysts revising their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, investor confidence in Moderna's prospects appears to be growing.
For those looking to delve deeper into Moderna's financials and forecasts, InvestingPro offers additional insights. There are 11 more InvestingPro Tips available, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the company's potential. Readers interested in these insights can use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription at https://www.investing.com/pro/MRNA.
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