What happened
Shares of Moderna (MRNA 2.54%) are up more than 4% as of 3:30 p.m. EDT, as the one-two punch of new data and corporate mandates makes the case for continued demand.
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So what
A study by Belgian researchers reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlighted the superiority of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine compared to its biggest rival. Of the more than 1,600 participants in the study, those who received Moderna's jab had almost twice the level of antibodies as those who received Comirnaty -- the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech. The researchers did not conclude that the shot offered more protection, as antibodies are only one part of the body's immune defense. Still, it's yet another potential reason to choose the company's drug over others.
Now what
The study isn't likely to move the needle much, yet. Further investigation is required before the Belgian researchers can say whether the higher level of antibodies actually translates to more protection.
Beyond the health considerations, more people are expected to be signing up to be inoculated. Companies continue to step up efforts to ensure members of their workforce are protecting themselves and others.
Just this week CVS and Delta added their names to the list of organizations requiring vaccination. Others on the list include the New York City School System and the Pentagon. For its part, Apple has asked its employees to provide their vaccine status, although they have not yet mandated the jabs. It all adds up to more demand for the companies making the drugs and more potential profits for shareholders.
