Shares of Nabi Pharmaceuticals surged 18 percent this morning after researchers announced that its NicVAX vaccine hit its primary goal--eight weeks of continuous abstinence by a statistically significant number of smokers--in a mid-stage trial. The company said the "top 30 percent of antibody responders (61 of the total 201 patients receiving drug) were examined in detail. A statistically significant number of these patients...showed continuous abstinence between weeks 19-26 compared to only 13 percent for the 100 patients receiving placebo." The trial enrolled 301 heavy smokers for the test, and Nabi officials say the results sets the stage for a late-stage trial and a partnership agreement.
"We believe NicVAX is now well positioned to enter Phase III pivotal trials and to secure a strategic partner," interim President and CEO Leslie Hudson said in a statement.
- see this release on the new data
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