BiondVax Announces Topline Results from Phase 3 Clinical Trial of the M-001 Universal Influenza Vaccine Candidate

Rhea-AI Summary

BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq: BVXV) announced topline results from its pivotal Phase 3 trial of the M-001 universal flu vaccine. The trial involved 12,463 adults aged 50 and older, but results showed no significant difference between the vaccine and placebo in reducing flu illness severity, failing both primary and secondary efficacy endpoints. However, the trial met the primary safety endpoint. The company expressed disappointment and plans to examine options to leverage their assets moving forward. Previously, M-001 demonstrated immune response in earlier studies.

Positive

• The primary safety endpoint of the clinical trial was successfully met.
• The company retains a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and has developed expertise and IP.

Negative

• The trial failed to meet primary and secondary efficacy endpoints.
• Results did not show a statistically significant difference in flu illness reduction between vaccinated and placebo groups.

JERUSALEM, Oct. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq: BVXV), a pioneer in the development of a universal flu vaccine designed to provide protection against current, future, seasonal and pandemic influenza, today announced topline data from the Company's pivotal, phase 3 clinical trial of M-001 as a standalone universal flu vaccine candidate.  

Results did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the vaccinated and placebo groups in reduction of flu illness and severity, and therefore failed to meet both the primary and secondary efficacy endpoints. The study's primary safety endpoint was met.

"We are disappointed with these results, and I wish to thank the BiondVax team for their efforts, dedication, and passion over the past 15 years. Together we have endeavored to develop an innovative approach to a persistent global problem. I am especially grateful to each of the clinical trial participants, as well as the investigators in all our trials for their efforts, and to our stakeholders for their support," said Dr. Ron Babecoff, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "The significant need for better, more proactive flu protection is well-understood by clinicians and public health experts around the world, and we have devoted many years in pursuit of this worthy goal. Unfortunately, this study did not have the efficacy outcomes that we anticipated for M-001 on a standalone basis. We have observed in seven previous studies that M-001 safely provoked an immune response to a broad range of flu strains, but ultimately this was not sufficient on a standalone basis to show protection."

Dr. Babecoff continued, "We have developed expertise and IP in pursuit of our goals, and we retain a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Going forward, we will examine options to maximize the value of these assets."

About the pivotal Phase 3 trial: The randomized, modified double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal Phase 3 trial assessed safety and efficacy of the M–001 vaccine candidate alone in reducing flu illness and severity in 12,463 adults aged 50 years and older, including 6,291 (50.5%) aged 65 and older. 4,042 participants were enrolled and randomized in the trial's first cohort prior to the 2018/19 flu season, and an additional 8,421 participants were enrolled across seven Eastern European countries in the trial's second cohort (2019/20 flu season). Each participant was monitored for one flu season.

The trial commenced in 2018, after the European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) reviewed the trial design and provided feedback. The CHMP response included comments regarding various aspects of the trial design, and also stated that, "It is agreed that a single pivotal efficacy trial that provides a robust demonstration of efficacy against laboratory-proven influenza like illness (ILI) could suffice for an approval."

About BiondVax:

BiondVax (NASDAQ: BVXV) is a biopharmaceutical company that has been developing M-001, a novel flu vaccine candidate. The vaccine candidate was designed to provide multi-strain and multi-season protection against current and future, seasonal and pandemic influenza. An NIH/NIAID Phase 2 study completed in 2020 showed a significant increase in polyfunctional CD4+ cells in the M-001 group. In a total of seven previously completed Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 clinical trials, the M-001 vaccine candidate was well-tolerated and immunogenic. For more information, please visit www.biondvax.com.

Company Contact: Joshua E. Phillipson | +972 8 930 2529 | j.phillipson@biondvax.com

Investor Relations: Joseph Green | +1 646 653 7030 | jgreen@edisongroup.com

 

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SOURCE BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

FAQ

What were the results of BiondVax's Phase 3 clinical trial for M-001?

The Phase 3 trial results showed no significant difference between the M-001 vaccine and placebo in reducing flu illness severity, failing both primary and secondary efficacy endpoints.

How many participants were involved in the BiondVax M-001 trial?

The trial involved 12,463 adults aged 50 and older.

What safety outcomes were reported from the M-001 trial?

The trial met the primary safety endpoint successfully.

What is the future direction for BiondVax after the M-001 trial results?

BiondVax plans to examine options to maximize the value of its assets and expertise in light of the trial results.

When did the BiondVax Phase 3 clinical trial for M-001 commence?

The trial commenced in 2018.