HilleVax Reports Topline Data from NEST-IN1 Phase 2b Clinical Study of HIL-214 in Infants
HilleVax announced topline results from the NEST-IN1 Phase 2b study of HIL-214 in infants. The trial, conducted in the US and Latin America, did not meet its primary or secondary efficacy endpoints. Specifically, the vaccine showed a mere 5% efficacy against moderate or severe acute gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, which was statistically insignificant. Consequently, HilleVax will discontinue the development of HIL-214 for infants but will explore its continued development in adults. The safety and immunogenicity profiles were consistent with previous studies. HilleVax also plans to explore the potential of HIL-216, another vaccine candidate, in adults.
- None.
- NEST-IN1 Phase 2b study failed to meet primary and secondary efficacy endpoints.
- HIL-214 showed only 5% efficacy, which is statistically insignificant.
- HilleVax will discontinue development of HIL-214 for infants.
Insights
The decision to discontinue HIL-214 development for infants following the NEST-IN1 study results is a significant pivot for HilleVax. While the study's lack of efficacy endpoints is a setback, it highlights the complexity of developing effective vaccines for varying demographic groups, particularly infants. The appearance of multiple emerging GII.4 strains during the trial could explain the lower vaccine efficacy, suggesting that the virus's variability poses a substantial challenge. This insight stresses the importance of ongoing research to adapt and innovate in vaccine development to address such evolving viral landscapes. For stakeholders, this shift emphasizes the need to evaluate how the pipeline's other candidates, like HIL-216, might fare in adult populations, where previous results have shown more promise.
From a financial perspective, the failure of the NEST-IN1 study to meet its primary and secondary efficacy endpoints casts a shadow over HilleVax's immediate prospects. The market generally reacts negatively to such news, as it implies sunk costs without return and possibly erodes investor confidence. However, HilleVax's decision to shift focus to adult populations and the subsequent development of HIL-214 and HIL-216 offers a potential path forward. Investors should closely monitor upcoming communications and results related to these candidates, keeping an eye on both clinical developments and any strategic partnerships or funding initiatives that could mitigate financial risks.
The NEST-IN1 study's outcome underlines the inherent risks in the biopharmaceutical sector, where clinical trials can often yield unexpected challenges. For the broader market, this serves as a reminder of the volatility associated with investing in early-stage biotech firms. However, HilleVax's strategic pivot to adult-focused vaccine development may offer a more viable market opportunity given the demonstrated efficacy in prior adult trials. Retail investors should weigh the company's ability to adapt to these new market conditions and consider the potential long-term benefits of successful adult vaccine candidates, which could help recoup lost ground and drive future growth.
The NEST-IN1 clinical study did not meet its primary or secondary efficacy endpoints, and the company will discontinue further development of HIL-214 in infants
The company is exploring the potential for continued development of HIL-214 and HIL-216 in adults
BOSTON, July 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HilleVax, Inc. (Nasdaq: HLVX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel vaccines, today announced topline data results from NEST-IN1. NEST-IN1 is a Phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of HIL-214 in infants of approximately 5 months of age at the time of initial vaccination at sites in the United States and Latin America.
In the NEST-IN1 study there were 51 primary endpoint events with 25 in the vaccine arm (n=1,425) and 26 in the placebo arm (n=1,399) resulting in vaccine efficacy of
“We are disappointed that the NEST-IN1 study did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint,” said Rob Hershberg, MD, PhD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HilleVax. “While HIL-214 previously showed clinical benefit in adults, NEST-IN1 was the first efficacy study conducted in infants for a norovirus vaccine candidate. We believe the efficacy in the infant setting may have been impacted by the appearance of multiple emerging GII.4 strains in this trial.”
“We sincerely thank the trial investigators, clinical sites and the HilleVax team for conducting a highly rigorous study, and we are deeply appreciative to the infants and families that participated in this trial,” said Dr. Hershberg.
The NEST-IN1 study was conducted after a Phase 2b study in adults, NOR-211, demonstrated statistically significant efficacy against moderate or severe AGE due to norovirus. The company plans to discontinue further development of HIL-214 in infants and is exploring the potential for continued development of HIL-214 and HIL-216, HilleVax’s Phase 1 ready vaccine candidate, in adults.
About HilleVax
HilleVax is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel vaccines. Its initial program, HIL-214, is a virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccine candidate in development for the prevention of moderate-to-severe acute gastroenteritis (AGE) caused by norovirus infection. Globally, norovirus is estimated to result in over approximately 700 million cases of AGE and 200,000 deaths per year, resulting in over
Forward-Looking Statements
HilleVax cautions you that statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and include, but are not limited to, our plans to focus our development efforts on, and advance the development of, HIL-214 and HIL-216 in adults and the potential opportunity for and benefits of HIL-214 and HIL-216. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, including, without limitation: to-date we have depended primarily on the success of HIL-214, and we may be unable to identify a viable development path forward for HIL-214; if we do identify a development path forward for HIL-214, we may require additional capital and other resources, including partnerships or other strategic collaborations, and we may be unable to secure partnerships, other strategic collaborations or other resources on acceptable terms or at all; topline results are based on preliminary analysis of key efficacy and safety data, and such data may change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the NEST-IN1 study and such topline data may not accurately reflect the complete results of a clinical trial; to the extent we pursue future studies, we may experience potential delays in the commencement, enrollment, data readouts and completion of clinical trials and preclinical studies; we depend on third parties in connection with manufacturing, research and clinical and preclinical testing; unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate immunogenicity or efficacy of HIL-214, HIL-216 or any future vaccine candidates that may limit their development, regulatory approval, and/or commercialization; further unfavorable results from clinical trials; results from prior clinical trials and studies are not necessarily predictive of future results; we rely on intellectual property rights under our license agreements with Takeda Vaccines, Inc. and Kanghua Biological Products Co., Ltd.; we may be unable to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property protection for our vaccine candidates; we may use our capital resources sooner than we expect; and other risks described in our prior press releases and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Contact:
Shane Maltbie
IR@hillevax.com
+1-617-213-5054
Media Contact
Katie Dodge
kdodge@lavoiehealthscience.com
+1-978-360-3151
FAQ
What were the results of the NEST-IN1 Phase 2b study for HIL-214?
Will HilleVax continue to develop HIL-214 for infants?
What is the efficacy of HIL-214 in the NEST-IN1 study?
Will HilleVax continue developing HIL-214 in other populations?
What are HilleVax's plans for HIL-216?
