Bavarian Nordic A/S (CPH: BAVA), a fully integrated biotechnology company, announced on Thursday that commencement of dosing in the Phase 2 extension study of MVA-BN RSV, a universal vaccine candidate designed to elicit a broad antibody and T-cell response against multiple respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigens.

Reportedly, this study is designed to help determine whether a single shot administration of vaccine is required annually, or if it remains effective over multiple seasons. The vaccine has previously shown to induce an immune response against RSV for a single season.

According to the company, the initial Phase 2 study enrolled 421 volunteers to determine dose and response to MVA-BN RSV. This added booster portion of the study will enrol 86 of these subjects to receive a single shot of either low (1x108) or high (5x108) dose of the vaccine.

Also, this study will determine what, if any, boosting effect is seen from the additional shot when compared to the balance of subjects in the Phase 2 study, helping to determine whether MVA-BN RSV should be administered annually, or if the durability of the vaccine could extend across multiple seasons.

Bavarian Nordic is focused on the development of innovative and safe therapies against cancer and infectious diseases.