Johnson & Johnson to launch late-stage coronavirus vaccine trials in September

The company aims to recruit 60,000 participants for the study.

| More on:

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Might Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) soon vault to the top of the coronavirus stock list?

It's conceivable, as an entry on the government's list of clinical trials reveals that the company's Janssen Vaccines subsidiary is about to launch a relatively large-scale, phase 3 study of its Ad26.COV2-S vaccine candidate. The estimated start date is 5 September, with both the primary and completion date anticipated for 10 March 2023.

All told, the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen study aims to involve roughly 60,000 participants with moderate to severe COVID-19, aged 18 and older. It will be a randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

That 60,000 figure is double the typical late-stage participant number; front-runners Moderna Inc, with its mRNA-1273 candidate, and Pfizer and BioNTech with BNT162b2 have both targeted approximately, or at most, 30,000 patients in their respective trials.

Although other biotechs and pharmaceutical companies are in more advanced testing stages of their coronavirus vaccine candidates, Johnson & Johnson has a particular advantage that might ultimately pull it ahead of the pack.

In preclinical testing on primates, Ad26.COV2-S produced high levels of antibodies to combat infection with only a single dose; other vaccine candidates further along in their development require two doses to produce a similar response.

The coronavirus 'race' is one of the most closely watched developments in the healthcare world just now. The outbreak is still very much a threat to global health, and no vaccine has yet been approved for use by any major regulator.

In late afternoon trading on Thursday, Johnson & Johnson's stock was up by 0.6%, outpacing the 0.4% rise of the S&P 500 Index.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on International Stock News

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
International Stock News

The US election is done and dusted. Is now the time to buy the ASX NDQ ETF?

US stocks continue to march higher this week.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
International Stock News

Why is everyone talking about the VIX Index today?

Fear or greed: Which investor sentiment will prevail today?

Read more »

A young kid with dark glasses rocks out with a guitar.
International Stock News

Why Nvidia stock rallied to a new all-time high on Wednesday

The changing of the guard bodes well for the artificial intelligence (AI) chip specialist.

Read more »

A handsome smiling man sits in the front seat of an electric vehicle with his hands on the wheel feeling pleased that the Carsales share price is going up and the company will shortly pay its biggest dividend ever
International Stock News

Why Tesla stock just skyrocketed

Why is Donald Trump's election victory powering explosive gains for Tesla stock?

Read more »

Man holding up betting slip and cheering along with two friends in front of TV
International Stock News

Elon Musk's big gamble: Will Tesla stock plunge if Kamala Harris wins the election?

The Tesla CEO has been an outspoken advocate for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. Will it backfire?

Read more »

Four investors stand in a line holding cash fanned in their hands with thoughtful looks on their faces.
Economy

Up 20% this year. Does the S&P 500 Index have more in the tank for 2024?

Will US stocks hold up after the election?

Read more »

two young boys dressed in business suits and wearing spectacles look at each other in rapture with wide open mouths and holding large fans of banknotes with other banknotes, coins and a piggybank on the table in front of them and a bag of cash at the side.
International Stock News

2 magnificent S&P 500 dividend stocks down 27% to 51% to buy and hold forever

These stocks hold potential to act as growth and income plays.

Read more »

A young female investor with brown curly hair and wearing a yellow top and glasses sits at her desk using her calculator to work out how much her ASX dividend shares will pay this year
International Stock News

One Wall Street analyst thinks this emerging Artificial Intelligence stock could rise 60% in the next year

SoundHound AI is on the doorstep of a big year.

Read more »