Vaxart (VXRT) said Wednesday the phase 1 trial of its second-generation oral norovirus vaccine pills has met its primary immunological endpoint.

The study compared the new, second-generation vaccine candidate with the older, first-generation version in 60 healthy volunteers, the company said.

According to the company, people who received the higher dose of the new vaccine had much higher antibody levels than those who got the older vaccine.

Meanwhile, all versions of the treatment were found safe and well-tolerated, with no serious side effects linked to the drug.

The company said it expects to start a phase 2b study in late 2025, depending on funding or partnerships, and could begin a phase 3 trial as early as 2026.

Shares of the company were up more than 38% in recent trading.

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