Moderna reports ‘positive’ results from coronavirus vaccine trial

The company leading the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine announced “positive” early findings on Monday, with participants producing antibodies to ward off the disease.

Biotech company Moderna Inc. dosed 45 patients between the ages of 18 and 55 with 25, 100 or 250 micrograms of its experimental drug. After receiving a second booster shot, those at the 25 and 100 dosage levels were found with antibody levels that were equal to or exceeded those found in patients who recovered from COVID-19, the company said in a press release.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told Bloomberg that the results “couldn’t have been better.”

“This is a very good sign that we make an antibody that can stop the virus from replicating,” he said.

The experimental vaccine, mRNA-1273, was found to be “generally safe and well tolerated” among patients, the company said. Further testing will begin in July.

Moderna stock soared 26 percent in pre-market trading Monday.