Novavax Reports on Discovery Program for Varicella Zoster Virus Vaccine

Novavax announced that several candidates have emerged from an ongoing discovery program to create a novel vaccine for preventing disease associated with the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in older adults.

According to Novavax, the candidates have met certain scientific criteria established by the company and are now targeted for preclinical development.

VZV causes shingles, which occurs most frequently in adults 60 years of age and older and the immunocompromised.

The potential worldwide market for a VZV vaccine in older adults is estimated to exceed
$1 billion annually, the company said.