Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) stock is soaring 5.03% in intraday trading on Tuesday, following the company's 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 ongoing vaccine development efforts.

According to the preliminary analysis, the new Spikevax formula generated a greater than eight-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies against the LP.8.1 variant. This impressive response was observed in adults aged 65 and older, as well as individuals aged 12 through 64 with at least one high-risk condition. Importantly, the safety profile remained consistent with previous studies, with no new safety concerns identified.

The 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 in U.S. wastewater and the continued dominance of LP.8.1 and its familial strains, Moderna's latest results position the company favorably in the ongoing battle against the evolving virus.