Novavax rises after naming internal medicine specialist as R&D head

Novavax

30/03/2026 13:17

** Shares of vaccine maker Novavax NVAX.O rise 1.5% to $8.58 premarket

** Co appoints Robert Walker as executive vice president and head of research and development, effective immediately

** Walker, previously the firm's chief medical officer, replaces Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, who has left the company

** Co says Walker will oversee preclinical and clinical research as Novavax works to advance its vaccine pipeline

** Walker has more than 30 years of experience in drug and vaccine development, including roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, co says

** Shares fell ~16% in 2025

 (Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

 ((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))