Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) shares surged 5.03% in intraday trading on Tuesday following the announcement of positive preliminary data from a phase 4 trial of its 2025-2026 Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine formula. The results demonstrate a robust immune response against the dominant LP.8.1 variant, boosting investor confidence in the company's continued relevance in the fight against evolving COVID-19 strains.

According to the company, the new Spikevax formula generated an impressive eight-fold increase in LP.8.1-neutralizing antibodies among adults aged 65 and older, as well as in individuals aged 12 through 64 with at least one high-risk condition. Importantly, the vaccine's safety profile remained consistent with previous studies, with no new safety concerns identified.

This positive data supports the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the 2025-2026 Spikevax formula for high-risk individuals aged six months through 64 years with underlying conditions and all adults 65 years and older. With CDC data indicating high COVID-19 activity and the continued dominance of LP.8.1 and its familial strains in U.S. wastewater, Moderna's latest results underscore the potential demand for its updated vaccine, driving the stock's significant uptick.