Vaxcyte, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX), with a market capitalization of around $7 billion, is trading higher on Friday.
The stock’s positive movement comes as Vaxcyte is advancing its VAX-31 vaccine trials across adult and infant programs, which could position it as a leader in pneumococcal disease prevention.
VAX-31 is the company’s next-generation 31-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) candidate.
Vaxcyte Initiates Phase 3 VAX-31 Trials
Vaxcyte on Friday said it dosed the first participants in a Phase 3 OPUS-2 study evaluating VAX-31 in conjunction with a seasonal influenza vaccine in participants aged 50 and above. The study plans to enroll around 1,300 participants.
Additionally, the company plans to initiate another Phase 3 OPUS-3 trial in around 720 adults previously vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in the first quarter of 2026, indicating a strong commitment to expanding its vaccine portfolio.
Topline data from both OPUS-2 and OPUS-3 studies are expected in the first half of 2027.
The company also reported that it has completed enrollment (n=905) for a Phase 2 dose-finding study of VAX-31 in infants.
Commercial Supply Chain
This comprehensive approach reflects Vaxcyte’s strategy to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, including a planned $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and services, starting with a custom fill-finish line in North Carolina in the first quarter of 2026.
Meanwhile, the broader market experienced a mixed session on the previous trading day, with the Russell 2000 down 0.16% and the Nasdaq declining by 0.37%. Vaxcyte’s gains come despite these declines, suggesting that the stock’s movement is driven by company-specific developments rather than broader market trends.
PCVX Shows Strong Short-Term Momentum
The stock is currently trading 13.4% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) and 15.4% above its 100-day SMA, indicating strong short-term momentum. Over the past 12 months, shares have decreased by 40.17%, and they are currently positioned closer to their 52-week highs than lows.
The RSI is at 71.77, which is considered overbought territory, suggesting that the stock may be due for a pullback. Meanwhile, the MACD is above its signal line, indicating bullish momentum.
The combination of overbought RSI and bullish MACD suggests mixed momentum, indicating that while the stock has strong upward pressure, it may also face selling pressure soon.
- Key Resistance: $55.00
- Key Support: $50.00
Vaxcyte holds a consensus Buy rating among analysts, with an average price target of $125.00, reflecting strong confidence in its growth potential.
Vaxcyte’s Benzinga Edge Scorecard Overview
Below is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Vaxcyte, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:
- Momentum: Bullish (Score: 41.19) — Stock is showing some positive trend strength.
The Verdict: Vaxcyte’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a stock that is currently experiencing bullish momentum but may be approaching overbought territory. Investors should monitor for potential pullbacks while considering the strong growth outlook based on upcoming clinical trials.
Significance: Because PCVX carries significant weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.
PCVX Price Action: Vaxcyte shares were up 2.06% at $54.94 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
