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SAN DIEGO — Biotechnology company Vical Inc. said Thursday its developing swine flu vaccine prompted "robust" immune responses in 100 percent of animals infected with distinct strains of the virus.
Vical is developing its vaccine under an agreement with the U.S. Navy. It is currently working the U.S. Navy to secure funding in order to advance the vaccine candidate to human studies.
Shares rose 29 cents, or 5.7 percent, to $5.35 in morning trading. Earlier, shares reached $5.51, their highest point in more than two years.
The recent animal study results show the DNA-based vaccine prompted responses above the accepted protection threshold in mice and rabbits with strains from recent outbreaks in California, Texas, and Mexico.
In June, the company reported positive results from studies also involving mice and rabbits.
"Based on the sustained threat from the ongoing H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic, we have initiated critical-path manufacturing activities to allow initiation of a Phase 1 trial in as little as four to six weeks after funding is secured," said President and CEO Vijay B. Samant, in a statement.
